Almost half of workers consider the value of the benefit card insufficient, research shows

According to a survey carried out by ValeCard, a benefits company, 44% of employees of Brazilian companies consider that the value of the monthly meal/food voucher does not meet their monthly dietary needs.

+INSS benefit above the minimum will have an adjustment of 3.71%

The survey was carried out with 666 employees of companies across the country and shows the perception of the purchasing power of basic everyday consumer items with the benefit voucher.

Also according to the study, 45% of benefit card users define their shopping location based on the price of the products, that is, looking for stores and establishments where the value included in the voucher yields more.

Another highlight of the research is the fact that the relevance of the voucher is practically unanimous among beneficiary employees. 89% of respondents prefer to receive an increase in the value of their food or meal card rather than receiving other benefits such as basic food baskets.

For the majority of users across the country (82%), the value of the card is considered low or sufficient to meet basic needs, but does not provide surpluses. Another path highlighted in the study is the fact that 98% of users believe that the voucher should be readjusted annually, according to changes in inflation, to keep up with the increase in the cost of living.

Data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) show that the Broad National Consumer Price Index (IPCA) for December 2023 was 0.28 percentage points above the November rate and closed the year with an accumulated increase of 4.62 %.

All groups of products and services surveyed increased in December, with emphasis on the Food and beverages group, which recorded the biggest change (1.11%) and the biggest impact (0.23 percentage points).

When it comes to swiping the benefit card, the priority for 90% of those interviewed is to buy basic food items. The strategy used is to purchase food for preparing meals. Ultimately, only 7% use the amount to buy snacks or ready-to-eat meals.

Benefit card is a tool for employee satisfaction

The ValeCard survey also identified that the benefit card is a great ally for employees to supplement their income throughout the month, in addition to being strategic for companies.

According to the benefits company, 72% of employees across the country reported that the benefit contributes to job satisfaction. Only 11% say that the valley has little or no relationship with corporate happiness.

Also according to ValeCard, 83% of employees would like an increase in the value of benefits, 17% want other benefits aimed at health and well-being, such as assistance with physical activities and encouragement of healthy eating.

For companies that want to opt for other types of benefits, the survey shows employee preferences.

In the ranking, pharmacy vouchers (43%) appear first, fuel vouchers second, as assistance for commuting to work (38%), salary advances (12%), and educational expenses (7%).

In addition to influencing how to spend, the survey also indicated employees' preferences on where to spend.

In first place (45%), the criterion is the location where the voucher yields the most, second (21%) is the proximity of the establishment, third (19%) the quality of the items, and fourth (15%) the variety.