Pulse: News and Trends in Health & Benefits
In today’s competitive job market, your organisation’s Health & Benefits offering plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining the best of the best. As societal needs change and younger generations enter the workforce, new trends in Health & Benefits are emerging, accompanied by corresponding legislative changes. Keeping your finger on the pulse is essential to building a strong employer brand and ensuring the well-being of your workforce.
Pulse, our Health & Benefits news hub, is dedicated to keeping you updated about the constant evolution of Health & Benefits across Central and Eastern Europe. Here, with articles written by our Health & Benefits professionals across CEE, you will find details of all the latest trends, emerging innovations, and important changes in legislation.
Our Health & Benefits specialists provide their expertise and knowledge to shine a light on the challenges of the future.
The directive is designed to strengthen pay equity and make compensation practices more transparent.
Prevention, early intervention and mental health support are increasingly important parts of a modern benefits strategy
Data can tell us what other employers are doing. It cannot tell us whether a specific benefit is creating value for a particular workforce.
This may seem like a success story, but it is important to understand that having group life insurance does not automatically equate to having adequate protection.
One particularly important development is the continued role of deceased donors, who accounted for more than 73% of all transplants.
Businesses should expect ongoing legislative reforms over the coming years, particularly around service accessibility, digitalisation of healthcare pathways, and cost‑sharing arrangements.
The new GrECo Health & Benefits Study 2026 is here and reveals why spending on employee benefits often goes to waste.
Year after year, the differences between providers seem marginal. But over the course of decades, they add up to real added value for your retirement savings. It is important to note that anyone planning to switch should take action by 30 June 2026 so that the new provider takes effect on 1 January 2027.
The Austrian labour market is currently experiencing a significant shift, influenced by global trends and local challenges
The latest “Health & Benefits Study” by GrECo, which surveyed both employees and employers.
As Generation Z enters the workforce, they bring with them unique needs and demands that companies must address to stay competitive.
The landscape of Health & Benefits in Albania is dynamic and has recently seen significant legislative updates.
As Health & Benefits in Albania continue to innovate and adapt, it’s crucial for businesses to stay informed and engaged with the latest developments.
The directive is designed to strengthen pay equity and make compensation practices more transparent.
These adjustments affect employers, employees, and overall cost structures, making it important for organisations operating in or with Bulgaria to prepare accordingly.
Employers are responding by embedding financial wellbeing programmes into their broader benefits strategies.
Speak with one of our experts to ensure your company is meeting the evolving needs and expectations of today’s Bulgarian workforce.
Speak with one of our experts to ensure your company is meeting the evolving needs and expectations of today’s Bulgarian workforce.
These changes reflect Bulgaria’s commitment to improving social security and healthcare for its citizens. Stay informed and make sure to adjust your plans accordingly to comply with the new regulations.
Since the start of 2025, several legislative changes have come into effect that will impact both employees and employers in the Czech Republic.
Czech Republic has introduced an increase in flat-rate compensation for remote work, ensuring fair compensation for employees working from home.
The Czech Government has increased the minimum wage by 10% in an effort to improve the standard of living for low-income workers.
As part of ongoing updates in employee benefits, the Czech Republic has introduced new tax-exemption limits for meal vouchers and health-related benefits:
As we navigate towards the end of 2024, we take a look at several important legislative updates in the Czech Republic in the last year
The health and benefits landscape in Croatia is evolving rapidly, predominantly driven by technological advancements which are changing consumer behaviour.
The health and benefits landscape in Croatia is evolving rapidly, predominantly driven by technological advancements which are changing consumer behaviour.
Recent amendments to Croatian Labour Law are set to reshape the working conditions and benefits for employees across the country
Data can tell us what other employers are doing. It cannot tell us whether a specific benefit is creating value for a particular workforce.
The European Union has introduced a new directive aimed at reducing the gender pay gap and promoting pay transparency across all member states
By implementing these changes, employers are not only supporting their employees’ health but also fostering a more productive and engaged workforce.
Our comprehensive guide below provides you with insights into the most popular solutions offered by employers in Georgia.
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the insurance industry in Georgia is undergoing significant transformations.
Georgian insurers are adopting innovative solutions to meet the growing demands of their clients.
Starting 1 January 2025, new fringe benefits are available in Hungary.
This blog post highlights recent developments in Hungary’s health and benefits sector.
This year, several employment law rules of practical relevance changed in Hungary.
This blog post highlights recent developments in Hungary’s health and benefits sector.
This legislative change is part of a broader effort to improve the quality of life for Latvian citizens.
As of 1 January 2026, the minimum monthly wage in Lithuania has risen to €1,153 gross, increasing employees’ net income by approximately €69.
As of 1 July 2024, Lithuania extended compulsory health insurance to include spouses or registered partners of foreigners with temporary residence permits provided they meet specific criteria such as raising small children
Looking ahead, several trends are expected to influence the health and benefits market in Lithuania.
As we look ahead to 2026, several significant legislative changes are on the horizon in Lithuania.
These changes aim to enhance early diagnosis, improve treatment options, and increase the availability of essential medical services.
The continuously increasing healthcare costs have led to several significant changes in the health insurance landscape in Lithuania.
This may seem like a success story, but it is important to understand that having group life insurance does not automatically equate to having adequate protection.
This regulation updates the rules for maintaining and storing occupational health documentation and refreshes document templates (including the preventive medical examination record).
With stress, burnout, and mental health disorders reaching record levels, 2026 brings fundamental changes in how organisations approach employee wellbeing.
The National Health Fund’s prevention programmes are crucial for early detection of diseases and prevention of their development, while private medical care offers more comprehensive and faster health care.
Since its implementation, the PPK programme has become one of the most significant elements of Poland’s savings system.
This new provision aims to provide crucial support to families during challenging times, ensuring they can care for their newborns without financial stress.
The clarification is expected to reduce administrative burdens and improve transparency for taxpayers navigating the public health insurance system.
These reforms reflect Romania’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while navigating complex social and economic challenges.
These forward-looking trends highlight the importance of strategic planning and agile benefits design to meet the evolving expectations of Romania’s workforce.
Romanian employers are navigating a rapidly evolving Health & Benefits landscape, shaped by rising costs and shifting employee expectations.
These measures are designed to create a more inclusive and respectful workplace, promoting the well-being of all employees.
Companies are implementing comprehensive wellbeing programmes that include mental health support, physical wellness initiatives, and work-life balance strategies.
As Serbia builds the digital backbone for its future health infrastructure, the changes will benefit patients, employers, and providers alike, setting the stage for a more interoperable and efficient era of healthcare.
As Serbia builds the digital backbone for its future health infrastructure, the changes will benefit patients, employers, and providers alike, setting the stage for a more interoperable and efficient era of healthcare.
Looking ahead, Serbia’s health and benefits landscape is expected to continue evolving rapidly.
Starting from 1 February 2025, Serbia implemented changes to the limits for untaxed premiums.
Several key market trends have emerged that are shaping the industry in Serbia.
The new Law on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in Serbia, came into force on 5 July 2023 and employers were given a two-year period to incorporate the new provisions
This update aims to better support employees during business trips.
This update aims to better support employees during business trips.
Slovenia is entering a new era of pension policy.
Looking ahead, several trends are expected to shape the health and benefits market in Slovenia over the next few years.
Slovenia is undergoing significant health reforms aimed at improving the overall healthcare system.
By improving the quality of healthcare services and making them more accessible, these health reforms are set to bring about significant changes in the Slovenian healthcare landscape
The amendment to the healthcare law represents an important step forward for the Slovenian healthcare system, but it also presents several challenges that require careful consideration.
The trends shaping Slovenia’s healthcare system for 2025 indicate a growing demand for additional health insurance driven.
Prevention, early intervention and mental health support are increasingly important parts of a modern benefits strategy
One particularly important development is the continued role of deceased donors, who accounted for more than 73% of all transplants.
Businesses should expect ongoing legislative reforms over the coming years, particularly around service accessibility, digitalisation of healthcare pathways, and cost‑sharing arrangements.
4 out of 5 leading health insurers recorded negative results in 2025, representing roughly 60% of the voluntary medical insurance market.
In recent months, Ukraine has seen several significant legislative changes in the Health & Benefits sector.
The health and benefits market in Ukraine is experiencing significant developments, driven by various factors that are shaping the industry.
Health & Benefits
We are here to provide you with high-quality Health & Benefits concepts, with full support in implementation. Our specialised teams have many years’ experience in the Health & Benefits sphere and will be able to support you in the best way possible.
Ewelina Jaworska-Bień
Head of People Solutions
T +48 504 178 064