MetLife Bangladesh has released its first-ever Employee Benefit Trends Study (EBTS), offering unprecedented insights into the priorities, challenges, and expectations of private-sector employees and employers.
The findings reveal that financial insecurity and inadequate benefits are silently eroding productivity, engagement, and overall well-being-posing a challenge for organisations striving to build resilient, high-performing workplaces, says a press release.
The EBTS surveyed 571 employees and 142 employers across industries including RMG, banking, FMCG, telecom, and NGOs.
According to the study, over 56 per cent of employees admit financial worries reduce their productivity, while 41 percent link financial stress to mental health issues. 67 per cent feel confident about their current financial state.
On the other hand, more than 53 per cent of employees have no retirement plan, and nearly half want employer support to convert savings into income. 72 per cent of employees believe their organisation cares about them, yet gaps persist in well-being and advocacy. Employers that demonstrate care through benefits and culture can significantly boost engagement and retention.
While 78 per cent of employees say insurance and wellness benefits such as mental health support make them more loyal, there are a large gap in offering these services. This disconnect creates a trust deficit and by offering these benefits an opportunity for employers to differentiate. 70 per cent of employees would use benefits more if they knew how peers utilized them, highlighting the need for personalized, year-round communication strategies.
Employers in Bangladesh are increasingly aware of the link between benefits and business performance. Nearly 56 per cent identify productivity and 49 per cent cite engagement as their biggest challenges, while 51 per cent have already increased investments in benefits over the past year to retain talent and boost morale.
Furthermore, 78 per cent acknowledge that benefits play a critical role in shaping workplace culture, yet many admit current offerings are not effectively reducing stress or financial burden. This signals a pivotal moment for employers: investing in comprehensive benefits and transparent communication is no longer optional-it is a strategic imperative for building trust, improving well-being, and driving sustainable growth.
"Our research reveals a stark reality: financial stress and inadequate benefits are quietly undermining productivity and morale," said Ala Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer, MetLife Bangladesh.
