Globally, only 23% of employees say they are engaged at work, and this lack of engagement has a major impact on companies and the economy, estimated at hundreds of billions of dollars annually. Beyond these figures, the reality in Romania can be seen in the daily experiences of employees.
According to the Edenred Romania survey, 42% of respondents say that their state of mind at work is directly influenced by small daily moments, such as lunch breaks, benefits that support their purchasing power, or the feeling of appreciation from their employer. At the same time, 56% associate non-salary benefits with a better experience at work, 57% say that the joy they experience at the office increases their performance, and 66% say that the benefit that brings them the most joy is the meal card.
In this context, Edenred Romania is consolidating its role as a partner for companies, proposing a vision that goes beyond the strictly functional logic of benefits and emphasizes their emotional impact: how they make you feel, not just what they are worth.
According to the survey, 44% of employees say that a good meal during working hours directly contributes to a better day at work, and 46% associate non-salary benefits with a feeling of appreciation from their employer.
The new positioning, “Live life to the fullest!”, stems from a simple belief: joy at work is built on small, repetitive, and accessible experiences—exactly where Edenred’s benefits play a concrete role.
“In Romania, data shows that a quality lunch break and a sense of appreciation contribute decisively to a more productive workday for 6 out of 10 employees. Benefits become truly relevant when they have a concrete, visible impact on everyday life. And when these positive experiences are consistent, they support both people’s well-being and the sustainable development of companies,” said Gorkem Oran, General Manager of Edenred Romania.
What really matters to employees:
– 53% say that relationships with colleagues generate the most frequent moments of joy at the office;
– 52% believe that non-salary benefits contribute decisively to their daily joy;
– For 40%, benefits bring more motivation to the job;
– 57% say that their performance is influenced by the joy they experience at the office;
– 56% associate non-salary benefits with a better work experience;
– 66% say that the benefit that brings them the most joy is the meal card;
– 42% of respondents say that their state at work is directly influenced by small daily moments, such as lunch breaks, benefits that support their purchasing power, or the feeling of appreciation from their employer.
Based on these real needs, Edenred helps companies create more humane work experiences that are closer to the daily lives of employees—from better lunches to quality free time, cultural moments, or simple gestures of appreciation.
Blue Monday, reinterpreted: a day about what makes us feel good
The launch of the new positioning took place symbolically on Blue Monday, considered the most depressing day of the year. Edenred proposes a change of perspective: instead of talking about shortcomings, let’s talk about what brings joy.
According to the survey, 42% of respondents say that the little positive things in a working day can completely change their overall mood. This is where Edenred’s campaign comes in: an invitation to rediscover joy in the simple, everyday things.
The study “What brings joy to the workplace” was conducted by Edenred Romania among employees in January 2026 and analyzes the relationship between benefits, well-being, and motivation at work.