Extra vacation and food vouchers: What are Czechia’s most common job perks?

Some job sectors are more likely to offer additional vacation time, but meal vouchers and flexible hours still take the lead as the most popular job perks in Czechia.

A recent survey by employment site Platy.cz portal revealed that 32 percent of employers in the Czech Republic provide additional vacation beyond the legal mandates. The study delved into the distribution of this benefit across various industries and regions, shedding light on the preferences and practices of Czech employers.

The job sectors most likely to offer extended vacation time were insurance, banking, finance, energy, and telecommunications. A significant 50.9 percent of employers within the insurance sector provide this perk, closely followed by banking and finance at 50.82 percent. The energy sector ranks third with 44.12 percent, while the telecommunications industry follows closely at 40.49 percent. This perk is most desired during the summer months, as employees eagerly anticipate the opportunity to enjoy an extended break.

Geographical analysis shows varying trends across regions. Employees in the South Moravian Region lead the chart, with 34.34 percent of employers offering an extended vacation. The Moravian-Silesian Region, Prague, and the Pilsen Region closely trail behind with rates of 33.94 percent, 33.41 percent, and 33.09 percent respectively. On the contrary, the Karlovy Vary region sees only 21.85 percent of employers providing this benefit, making it the lowest in the country.

Comparatively, in Slovakia, the story takes a different turn, with only 15 percent of employers choosing to offer additional leave to their employees.

Examining the broader landscape of employee benefits, Platy.cz's survey results indicate that extra vacation ranks as the seventh most common job benefit in the Czech Republic. Leading the pack are meal vouchers, which 47 percent of employees receive, closely followed by flexible working hours offered by 43 percent of employers. Working from home and complimentary workplace beverages both stand at 37 percent, while private mobile phone usage is allowed by 35 percent of companies.

Other notable benefits include company events (35 percent), laptops for personal use (31 percent), sick days (30 percent), supplementary pension insurance (29 percent), employee discounts (20 percent), provision of employee parking spaces (20 percent), employee referral bonuses (18 percent), and company anniversary bonuses (16 percent).

As the desire for extended vacations remains strong, Czech employers appear to be responding positively, enriching their employee’s desire for a better work-life balance.