MetLife recently released it comprehensive annual Study of Employee Benefits Trends, which explores the employee benefits landscape from the perspective of both employers and employees, as it has evolved over the last decade,. The study has identified significant key findings that cut across all U.S. Regions, industries, and company sizes.

Key findings this year include:

The Tough Economic Climate Creates Opportunities. 60% of surveyed employers found that today’s economic climate, rather than reducing business focus on employee benefits, actually creates opportunity for benefits to drive human capital. Employers remain committed to provided benefits to their employees, although with an increasing cost shift to employees.

Voluntary Benefits are a Key Component of the Benefits Offering. 40% of surveyed employers reported that that voluntary benefits are a significant part of their overall benefits strategy, up from 32% last year. This may be in response to the growing employee-side demand, as Generations X and Y express a particularly strong intereste in being able to select from a wide offering of voluntary benefits and are willing to pay for these on their own.

Employee Prefer to Obtain Benefits Through Work. 50% of employees agree that obtaining insurance through the workplace is easier than elsewhere. In addition, 49% say that, because of the economy, they are counting on their employer to help them achieve financial security through a range of benefits offerings.

Employees Have an Appetite for Employer-Provided Benefit and Financial Education.66% of Generation Y employees said that economic conditions are forcing them to look more seriously at achieving financial security through employee benefits. Employers that provide financial education and planning programs to their employees will be viewed more favorably by their younger Generation X and Gen Y employees, who have a stronger appetite for financial education than might be expected, given their age and life stage.