Only 47% of employees feel their employer provides sufficient mental health support, while only 44 per cent feel financially well, according to MetLife’s latest Employee Benefits Trends Study (EBTS). The findings highlight a growing gap between what companies offer and what workers expect, as employees increasingly look for benefits that integrate physical, mental, and financial wellbeing into one package.
For wellbeing consultant Cyrill France Badong, the findings reflect a familiar pattern. “Many companies genuinely care, but they’re still figuring out how to support wellbeing in a way that’s meaningful and consistent,” she said. “Coming from a nursing background, I’ve seen firsthand how people often wait until things reach a crisis point before seeking help, and the same is true in many workplaces. Wellbeing needs to be proactive, not reactive”.
Cyrill noted that stigma around mental health and financial struggles often keeps employees silent, even when support is available. “If there’s no safe environment to speak up, or if people don’t see leadership modelling healthy behaviours, they won’t feel supported,” she explained.
MetLife Gulf described the results as a “significant disconnect” between employer intent and employee perception. “Our latest study shows a significant disconnect between employer intent and employee perception. That’s why our approach focuses on real, measurable care, not just benefits,” said Marian Amezcua, General Manager of MetLife Gulf.
Cyrill stressed that wellbeing should not be treated as a “soft” perk. “It starts with leadership buy-in and a shift in mindset, recognising that employee wellbeing is not a ‘soft’ benefit, but a business enabler. In the UAE, where workplaces are incredibly diverse, one size doesn’t fit all people’s needs vary across cultures, roles, and life stages.”
