As the modern workforce demands more comprehensive support, MetLife is taking action to close the widening “employee care gap” identified in its latest Employee Benefits Trends Study (EBTS). The study is based on 600 interviews across the UAE, offering a comprehensive perspective from both sides of the workforce and it reveals that while 89% of employers believe they are showing care for their employees, only 55% of employees agree.
Further deepening the issue, 74% of employees expect wellbeing support from their employers, but fewer than half believe their benefits actually meet those expectations.
The report findings call for action and a fresh look at the current state of benefits offered. Employers need to recognise that traditional benefits alone no longer meet the needs of today’s employees.
MetLife is expanding support beyond insurance by launching practical tools like the MetLife Wellness Hub and EAP, designed to meet evolving employee needs.
From Coverage to Care: A Holistic Approach
MetLife’s EBTS shows that the care gap directly impacts employee trust and retention. Employees who feel cared for are 2.6x more likely to be satisfied in their current job,
2.1x more likely to feel engaged, and 2.4x more likely to stay with their employer.
The data points to a critical shift: traditional benefits alone no longer suffice. Employees are looking for holistic, human-centric experiences that integrate physical, mental, and financial wellbeing into one cohesive offering.
MetLife is responding with a robust suite of employee-centric tools: The Wellness Hub is a centralized digital resource hub providing access to lifestyle planning, fitness content, mental health tools, and virtual coaching. This hub empowers employees to take proactive control of their physical and emotional wellbeing.
Complementing this is MetLife’s confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering 24/7 support for personal and professional issues, from stress and financial concerns to family dynamics. It’s one more way MetLife supports employee wellbeing, even beyond office walls.
Data-Driven Design for Real-World Impact
The study found that only 47% of employees feel their employer provides sufficient mental health support, and just 44% feel financially well, highlighting the need for a more rounded approach to benefits.
As the region adapts to new workplace realities, MetLife is encouraging business leaders to embrace a people-first mindset. This includes leveraging data, investing in wellness infrastructure, and building long-term partnerships that prioritize care.
Employers need to consider 360-degree strategies that integrate physical, mental, and financial wellness in one offering.
The Bottom Line for Business
According to the EBTS 2025, employees who feel holistically cared for are 3.4x more likely to feel valued by their organisation. As expectations evolve, the future of employee benefits will be defined not just by insurance coverage, but by care that’s visible, personal, and built on real-life needs.
