Employee benefits 'drive loyalty and engagement' - Metlife

The study found 35% of employees are more likely to stay in their job because of their employee benefits package and that 33% of staff say the benefits they are offered by their employer make them feel valued.

Younger staff are the most likely to stay in their jobs because of employee benefits, the research found, with 58% of 18 to 24-year-old employees saying additional benefits boost their loyalty. The benefits package on offer makes 56% of 18 to 24-year-olds feel valued.

MetLife Employee Benefits carried out the research as part of its drive to promote awareness among advisers and employee benefits decision makers of the untapped value and potential in the group risk market as well as the benefits of group risk for employees and their families.

Just 23% of employees surveyed were satisfied with communication from their employers about their employee benefits compared with 45% who are dissatisfied. Even satisfaction with communication about pension and retirement issues is relatively low despite the recent focus on workplace pension auto-enrolment with 28% saying they are satisfied compared with 39% who are dissatisfied.

Tom Gaynor, employee benefits director at MetLife UK, said: "There is clear evidence that employee benefits when they are communicated well can help with employees' emotional or psychological contract with their employer".

"Employee loyalty matters as it helps create a stable base for employers. This is of significant value for employers, many of whom are navigating through a lot of change right now".

He continued:"Improved communication is vital, however, to ensure staff are aware of and understand what's being provided. This is where advisers and Employee Benefit Consultants (EBCs) have an important role to play, demonstrating their experience and expertise in designing benefits packages."