MetLife’s 2025 U.S. Employee Benefit Trends Study paints a concerning picture for today’s workplace, revealing significant drops in holistic health -5%, productivity -5%, and engagement -7%. Financial stress is a major factor, with 77% of employees citing rising medical costs and 68% pointing to economic uncertainty as their main sources of stress.
In the face of these challenges, employees increasingly turn to their employers for support and stability. The study reveals that 81% of employees believe their employer should build trust in the workplace, and employees are 1.5 times more likely to trust their employer than other institutions.
With responsibility to foster trust comes a significant opportunity for employers to improve workplace outcomes. MetLife’s research shows that employees who trust their employer and feel cared for are 3.8 times more likely to feel holistically healthy, 2.4 times more engaged, and 1.9 times more productive than those who don’t experience this care.
Employers can build trust by creating a supportive workplace culture and offering benefits that are easy to understand and use. It’s important to give employees opportunities to provide feedback and help them make the most of their benefits.
“Our research shows that employers who demonstrate they care for their employees see better workplace health and results,” said Todd Katz, head of Group Benefits at MetLife.
The study also finds that employees who use their benefits effectively are 2.4 times more likely to feel holistically healthy, 2.1 times more likely to trust their employer during tough economic times, and 1.8 times more likely to trust their employer’s leadership.
“Benefits give employees stability and protection in uncertain times, which strengthen trust,” Katz added.
To help employees make informed decisions about their benefits, MetLife offers tools like Upwise, reminders, and guidance. In 2024, 64% of employees who had access to Upwise during enrollment used it, and 84% of those completed the steps to get a benefits recommendation.
MetLife’s study found that employers who prioritize employee care, build trust, and offer clear benefits experiences can foster a more engaged, productive, and healthy workforce.
For Alicia Miguel