The Future of Work is Human, says MetLife's New Report

AI is revolutionising the workplace, as 80% of employers report using AI tools as a part of everyday tasks, according to new research from MetLife.

Having recently released its MetLife’s 24th Annual US Employee Benefit Trends Study (EBTS), the global financial services company also shared that 83% of employers believe that AI helps employees work faster and more efficiently.

In contrast, 61% of employees expressed worry about the ethical and safety risks of AI, including misinformation, bias, and lack of accountability, demonstrating a 5% rise from last year’s data.

As a result, almost a quarter (24%) of employees feel the need to use AI to complete their work, with 59% fearing their jobs and skills will become obsolete faster than opportunities will be created as a result of the technology.

MetLife’s research does, however, show that employers are aware of AI’s somewhat unsettling impact on employees, with over two-thirds (67%) identifying AI as a friction point that can create mistrust between management and employees.

Taking to LinkedIn, MetLife’s Assistant Vice President, US Business Communications, Liz Harish, said that even after five years of releasing EBTS, she’s still “genuinely fascinated” by the report and the insights it surfaces. 

“This year is no exception,” she says. “Our findings highlight how AI is changing the way work gets done, while broader macro forces are driving a need for greater connection at work, not just in relationships, but in how employees see their work connecting to meaningful impact.

“And it wouldn’t be EBTS without a focus on benefits. We found that employers increasingly view non‑medical benefits not as add‑ons, but as a strategic investment, helping manage costs while providing employees with financial protection and stability when key life moments happen.”

Human skills remain vital in the workplace

Although employees’ concerns around AI impacting their jobs and skills are prevalent, MetLife’s research does offer some reassuring news: human skills are still essential. 

In fact, human skills and AI are described as being “mutually supportive for advancing work,” which is supported by 71% of employers stating that the ability and willingness to work with and learn about AI is “critical for the future.”

Shurawl Sibblies, Chief Human Resources Officer at MetLife, says: “As AI is rapidly becoming a more significant part of everyday work, many employers are still working through what the integration means for employees and the future of their organisations.

“As technology reshapes how work gets done and how performance is measured, providing clarity around expectations and development is critical to driving the best outcomes for employees and businesses.”

Human-centred skills – such as judgement, creativity, collaboration and problem solving – are also believed to be highly valuable over the next three years by 94% of employers.

Yet this poses the question: Are the differing definitions of employee success stunting momentum? 

Reshaping success in the workplace

According to MetLife’s report, this may well be so, as although 91% of employers say employee contributions are “valued” and “fairly rewarded”, only 65% of workers agree. 

This, therefore, signals a disconnect that reinforces the idea that employees say success is judged “primarily by output.” Employers may consequently feel a growing sense of responsibility to define success beyond productivity alone.

Rather than seeing this as an obstacle, MetLife’s report has framed this opportunity, known as ‘the success reset’. 

The success reset is an approach that combines “human skills, connection and modern benefits,” moving organisations away from uncertainty and towards a more confident working culture.

Concluding, Todd Katz, EVP, Head of Group Benefits at MetLife expresses that employers are “being pushed” to rethink the needs of employees in an AI-enabled workplace.

He summarised: “Supportive benefits play a critical role in helping people manage change, build resilience and stay healthy – while skill development ensures employees can continue to grow and succeed alongside new technology.”