Meal vouchers: learn all about this benefit

Among the main benefits offered by companies, meal vouchers are one of the most common and desired by employees. It plays an essential role in supporting well-being and boosting productivity.

The benefit reflects the company's commitment to the health and quality of life of its employees, reinforcing an organizational culture that values and cares for its human capital.

However, for it to be offered efficiently and regularly, you need to know the legal guidelines on the benefit. See below!

What are meal vouchers and how do they work?

Meal vouchers are a benefit that companies offer their employees to help with food costs during working days. This benefit is delivered via electronic cards or vouchers that can be used in a network of accredited establishments, such as:

• Restaurants
• Snack bars;
• Bakeries.

Thus, the intention is to facilitate access to meals during the working day, supporting employees' health and productivity.

What's more, this benefit is flexible and can be adapted according to the needs of the company and employees, contributing to better nutrition and, consequently, greater satisfaction and productivity at work.

What is the legislation on meal vouchers?

Meal vouchers are regulated by the Workers' Food Program (PAT), established by Law No. 6.321 of 1976. This program is administered by the Ministry of Labor and Employment, with the aim of improving the nutritional conditions of workers, which can help prevent illness and promote general health.

In this way, the PAT's regulation of meal vouchers provides a framework for how the benefit should be administered and promotes adherence through tax incentives.

This benefits both companies, which can improve employee satisfaction and productivity, and workers, who gain in quality of life and health.

Is the company obliged to offer meal vouchers?

Joining the PAT is optional for companies. Thus, there is no legal requirement for all companies to offer meal vouchers, except when established by collective bargaining agreements.

However, companies that choose to participate in PAT can take advantage of tax benefits, such as tax deductions. This serves as an incentive for more employers to offer the benefit.

How much meal vouchers should employees be paid?

The legislation does not stipulate a specific value for the meal voucher, but offers flexibility for companies to adapt the benefit to their conditions and those of their employees.

However, it is important to consider that the value of the benefit should not exceed 20% of the employee's total earnings, maintaining a financial balance.

It is also important to remember that, although the law does not define a minimum amount for the benefit, collective bargaining agreements for certain categories can stipulate daily base amounts for some activities.

One example is the case of Sindpd and IT workers, who managed to negotiate an increase in the minimum daily ticket to R$30 by 2025.

Why is it important for companies to provide meal vouchers?

The provision of meal vouchers by companies is simply a gesture of support for employees and an intelligent management strategy that brings multiple organizational benefits.

Thus, this benefit is essential for maintaining the health and well-being of workers, directly reflecting on productivity and general satisfaction in the workplace.

In fact, studies have shown that meal vouchers are one of the most popular benefits offered by companies, as well as one of the most important and valued by employees.

In addition, offering meal vouchers to employees also generates benefits such as:

• talent retention;
• improving the organizational climate;
• reduced absenteeism;
• tax incentives;
• compliance with legal and union standards;
• building a positive image of the company.

How do you choose the right meal voucher for your employees?

The choice of meal voucher provider should take into account the quality of the service offered and the breadth of the accredited network, including a variety of restaurants, cafeterias and supermarkets.

In addition, it is important to check whether the supplier..:

• is duly regularized and licensed by the PAT;
• presents a simple solution for employees to use;
• offers the best value for money;
• offers personalized and efficient support.

Alymente, in addition to being registered with the PAT: 180642210, is recognized for its ease of managing the benefit through an advanced technological platform that simplifies both the distribution and use of the vouchers.

Therefore, opting for Alymente means choosing a partner committed to the satisfaction of both employer and employee, ensuring that the meal voucher benefit is administered efficiently and profitably.

To find out more, visit the website!

Image credit: Freepik.