Half of Brussels and Walloon workers are now given meal vouchers, according to a survey published on Wednesday by SD Worx. They are particularly widespread in certain sectors, such as international commerce, transport, and logistics.
“Meal vouchers are the most common professional benefit in Belgium,” notes Vassilios Skarlidis, SMB adviser at SD Worx. “Employers in Luxembourg province offer this collective benefit to nearly 60% of workers – the highest proportion in Wallonia.”
On average, a meal voucher is worth €6.50. However, the value varies based on company size and sector. For instance, the highest average annual value of meal vouchers is €1,190 net, seen in the Walloon Brabant province in 2023. In businesses with fewer than 20 employees, one in three is awarded a meal voucher.
Certain professions provide these vouchers more commonly than others. The international commerce, transport, and logistics sector leads the way with 84% of workers receiving meal vouchers. Following closely are employees in the chemical industry and food industry, alongside clothing and fashion industry employees, with 81% and 80% beneficiary rates, respectively.
Belgians prefer meal vouchers over better compensation and additional holidays, results from the SD Worx survey show. For 54% of Belgians, it ranks as their preferred form of remuneration.
The popularity of meal vouchers can largely be attributed to their favourable (para)fiscal status. “Under certain conditions, the vouchers are exempt from national social security contributions and professional withholding taxes. Consequently, the maximum employer contribution stands at €6.91 and the minimal employee contribution at €1.0909,” concludes Skarlidis.
