In 2025, the employee experience has reached a pivotal turning point, as technological advancements for improving the workplace are finally becoming a reality. New research highlights that HR leaders play a crucial role in fostering trust and enhancing employee wellbeing, both essential components of a positive employee experience.

MetLife’s latest Employee Benefit Trends Study of 2,567 HR decision-makers
and other company leaders and 2,964 full-time employees highlights a downturn across several prominent workforce metrics such as productivity, engagement and belonging. As holistic (physical, social, mental and financial) employee health, productivity and engagement all decline, the onus is on HR leaders to respond, experts say—not just with policies, but with a benefits strategy that creates a foundation of trust.

Employee wellbeing on the decline

The MetLife data paints a clear picture: Employee wellbeing is slipping. Worker health and productivity have both dropped by 5%, while engagement has seen a 7% decline. In this environment, researchers say, trust and care are no longer optional, as 81% of employees believe it’s their employer’s responsibility to foster trust in the workplace.

Interestingly, employees are 1.5 times more likely to trust their employer than other institutions, according to MetLife, providing HR leaders with a strong footing to make an impact. When trust and care are actively present, the benefits are tangible: Employees are nearly four times more likely to feel holistically healthy and over twice as likely to be engaged, according to the study.

A separate study published by the journal Frontiers of Public Health in 2022 found that a positive work environment boosts employee performance. Researchers revealed that committed, achievement-driven employees perform better, even under pressure. Supportive workplace cultures promote positive behaviors, wrote the report’s authors, leading to stronger individual and organizational outcomes.

Positive benefits-related experiences can help

According to the survey data, open and honest communication is the leading way employees say employers can build trust (55%), followed by recognizing and rewarding good work (47%). Close behind are keeping promises and commitments and listening to employee concerns (both 46%). Responding to employee feedback and supporting work/life balance both scored 43%, while transparency in decision-making processes came in at 39%

A well-designed benefits experience is another crucial factor in shaping how employees perceive and interact with their workplace. Those who report positive benefits experiences are 2.4 times more likely to report that they feel holistically healthy and twice as likely to trust their employer, even during times of economic uncertainty. They’re also 1.8 times more likely to trust their leadership, reinforcing the powerful connection between benefits and organizational credibility.

“Our research continues to validate that employers who demonstrate care for their employees see improved workplace health and outcomes,” said Todd Katz, head of group benefits at MetLife. “What we’ve newly uncovered this year, given macro challenges, is an opportunity to fortify care by fostering trust.”

He adds that workplaces that prioritize benefit experiences and culture can build “high-trust, high-performing workplaces.”

HR’s role in employee wellbeing

What can HR leaders do right now to reverse the downward trends? The study emphasizes two primary focus areas: building trust and enhancing the benefits experience. Fostering workplace trust starts with recognizing employee achievements, practicing transparent leadership and consistently leading with empathy, according to MetLife researchers. These actions form the foundation for a culture of care and connection.

Read more: 10 expert tips for creating a top employee experience in 2025

Improving the benefits experience is equally important, note the study authors. This means going beyond enrollment season and embracing year-round communication. Personalized guidance, timely education and consistent engagement can transform how employees view and use their benefits.

“The good news,” write the report authors, “is that employers have many options for enhancing the key elements of the employee experience in ways that will also increase trust.”

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