Employers are focusing on financial wellbeing, research shows

Research from MetLife’s UK Employee Benefit Trends Study 2017, has shown employers are focusing on financial wellbeing in the workplace, with over 50 per cent saying they understand financial pressures staff face.

The research showed 55 per cent of employees value benefits they receive, as financial pressures rise - up by 25 per cent on MetLife’s 2015 study.

Wellbeing programmes

More employers are introducing wellbeing programmes for staff, with 38 per cent of employers satisfied with the impact these programmes have - up from 21 per cent on 2015’s research.

This year’s study found talent attraction continues to be a priority for businesses, with 73 per cent using benefits to attract talent - up from 61 per cent on 2015’s findings. Over 45 per cent of businesses are expecting a talent shortage over the next year.

MetLife is now urging employers to tackle the issue of rising uncertainty among staff by introducing employee benefits - including financial wellbeing programmes to provide support.

Key challenge

MetLife UK Head of Marketing Jo Elphick commented: “Efforts to tackle physical wellbeing through benefits are bearing fruit for employers, but uncertainty over personal finances is emerging as a key challenge.

“A key goal for employers is to help their staff feel energised and focused at work, and addressing employees’ financial concerns through benefits can help.”