Dhaka:A new study by MetLife Bangladesh indicates a significant rise in the number of employees in Bangladesh who report that financial stress affects their productivity, increasing from 56% in 2025 to 72% in 2026. Additionally, 72% of employees expect support from their employers during times of significant or unexpected financial stress or expenses.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the findings are part of the second edition of the Employee Benefits Trends Study (EBTS) conducted by MetLife Bangladesh. The study also highlights rising expectations from employers regarding employee benefits.
Interest in personalized benefits has surged, with 86% of employees expressing interest, up from 65% in 2025. Insurance and wellness benefits are influential in fostering employee loyalty, with 79% indicating that such benefits enhance their loyalty to employers, compared to 78% in 2025. Job satisfaction has also increased from 78% to 83%.
From the employer's perspective, 85% acknowledge the importance of benefits in shaping workplace culture, up from 78% in 2025. However, retirement preparedness is a growing concern, as the proportion of employees aged 40 and above without a retirement plan has risen from 53% to 81%.
The study also explored the use of technology in the workplace, finding that 55% of employees already use artificial intelligence (AI) in their daily tasks, and 91% of those report a positive impact on their work experience. Furthermore, 58% of employers encourage or enable AI use in the workplace, with employees adopting AI faster than anticipated by many organizations.
The study surveyed 583 employees and 126 employers, totaling 709 respondents, across various industries including RMG, banking, FMCG, telecom, retail, manufacturing, NGOs, and technology. Conducted this year, the research aims to provide insights into the evolving workplace landscape in Bangladesh.
MetLife Bangladesh Chief Executive Officer Ala Ahmad commented on the findings, emphasizing the importance of supporting employees as the nature of work evolves, and highlighting the need for employers to make informed decisions while empowering employees to communicate their needs.
The study suggests that AI readiness, employee wellbeing, financial security, and workplace culture are increasingly interconnected in Bangladesh. As organizations adapt to technological changes and evolving employee expectations, comprehensive benefits and meaningful support are emerging as critical factors for engagement, loyalty, and business success.