Rapid technological shifts and growing competition are intensifying mental stress among employees, affecting both productivity and job security, according to findings from MetLife Bangladesh’s Employee Benefit Trend Study 2025.

Speakers at the survey’s result publication event at the Westine Dhaka hotel on Tuesday said organizations must now focus on mental well-being, leadership development, and nurturing a caring work culture if they are to sustain themselves in the evolving business landscape.

The event, held at a Gulshan hotel, featured key business and policy leaders including Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD); Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC; Naser Ezaz Bijoy, CEO of Standard Chartered Bangladesh; Yasir Azman, CEO of Grameenphone; M H M Fairooz, Managing Director of Singer Bangladesh; and Ala Ahmad, CEO of MetLife Bangladesh.

The study, based on 713 respondents from sectors including manufacturing, telecom, banking, and NGOs, began in March this year. It found that while 78% of employees are satisfied with their current roles and 73% with their overall well-being, only 42% would recommend their employers.

Younger workers, particularly those aged 25 to 31, reported higher financial stress levels. Multinational companies were seen as more caring towards employees.

The report also noted that flexibility, mental health support, and growth opportunities have become key expectations, especially among Gen Z employees. More than half of employers (51%) have increased benefits in the past year, and 78% acknowledged the need to expand them further.