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56% of employees are staying put out of necessity as financial and job pressures escalate

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 18, 2026-- Amid persistent job market volatility and financial pressures, new MetLife data shows that while employee loyalty is rising, it may be for the wrong reasons. The latest findings from MetLife’s 2026 Employee Benefit Trends Study reveal that while 77% of employees intend to stay¹ with their current employer, 56% are staying out of necessity rather than genuine commitment.

This comes as financial confidence among employees has fallen to its lowest level since 2012 and 31% say a primary reason for staying is that the uncertain job market makes it too risky to leave—reinforcing need‑based retention and putting business performance at risk.

The Cost of Loyalty Without Commitment

The consequences of this dynamic are significant, with only 18% of employees saying they plan to stay with their employer because they truly want to. Employees who stay out of necessity experience much weaker outcomes: only 50% are actively engaged in their work and they are 54% less likely to be holistically healthy, resulting in higher risks of absenteeism and lower productivity.

“As employees cling to their jobs for security, retention alone can give employers a false sense of stability—even as wellbeing, engagement, and productivity quietly erode,” said Todd Katz, Head of U.S. Group Benefits at MetLife. “This puts renewed pressure on employers to strengthen their cultures, leadership and benefits in ways that foster real connection and true commitment.”

Connection: The Strongest Driver of Outcomes

MetLife’s study reveals connection—including feeling seen, valued, and supported at work—is now the strongest predictor of employee wellbeing, engagement, and commitment. When employees feel connected at work, they are:

• 3x more likely to be holistically healthy
• 2x more likely to be engaged
• 3x more likely to stay because they want to, not because they need to

Together, these findings show that connection is what separates surface-level stability from a workforce that is resilient, productive and built to perform under pressure. Without it, outcomes stall, and loyalty weakens.

Creating the Conditions for True Connection

Connection grows when employees feel a sense of belonging at work, are supported in their professional growth and are recognized for their contributions—experiences often shaped by leaders, workplace culture, and benefits that reinforce support beyond compensation alone, according to the study’s qualitative findings.

“Forging genuine commitment begins when employees feel seen, supported, and valued, not just retained,” Katz added. “Benefits that adapt to employees’ needs—and are clearly communicated—reinforce trust, strengthen connection, and help organizations move beyond transactional loyalty toward more meaningful, sustainable outcomes.”

About MetLife’s Employee Benefit Trends Study & Methodology
MetLife’s U.S. Employee Benefit Trends Study (EBTS) is a leading source of insights into workplace trends, employee expectations, and employer strategies. MetLife’s 2026 EBTS is based on two quantitative studies, conducted in October 2025, including surveys of 2,480 HR decision-makers and leaders, and 2,541 full-time employees from organizations of various industries and sizes. Respondents are aged 21+ and nationally representative of the full-time U.S. workforce in terms of demographics, job roles, and firmographics. New to the 24th EBTS, MetLife used cultural insights and semiotics to explore shifting habits, motivations, and feelings among workers. The research is collected in partnership with STRAT7, a global strategy, insight, and planning consultancy.

About MetLife
MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates (“MetLife”), is one of the world’s leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits, and asset management to help individual and institutional customers build a more confident future. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 markets globally and holds leading positions in the United States, Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit https://www.metlife.com.

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For Media:
Mary Cassone
332-262-8679
Mary.Cassone@MetLife.com

Source: MetLife, Inc.