October 02, 2025
Employees Stopped Leaving but Stopped Caring Too
It seems like America’s workforce is holding steady in their jobs. However, their hearts aren’t really in it. New data from MetLife reveals more: employees are less likely to quit, yet more likely to feel disconnected, undervalued, and burned out.
According to the report, only 53% of employees say they feel valued at work, a drop of 10% compared to last year. Engagement levels have also fallen to 66%, down six points from 2024. Meanwhile, signs of strain are jumping, with 39% of workers reporting burnout, and 56% feeling less connected to their work than before.
Despite all this, not many employees are switching jobs to change their situation. Seventy-five percent of employees expect to remain with their current employer over the next year, up 4% from 2024. But this stability doesn’t stem from high morale. Instead, it points to what MetLife suggests is a quieter trend: employees are sticking around for security, not satisfaction. Those who are not earning enough are putting major milestones on hold until they’re able to afford a comfortable life.
Workplace Crossroads
One clear path forward lies in benefits. Workers who understand and feel satisfied with their benefits are 1.4 times more likely to be engaged and 1.2 times more likely to be productive.
Even in this area, the data points to a shortfall. Employees say they want more coverage, but relatively few are signing up. While 90% of employees say they want Accident and Critical Illness insurance, only 32% and 26% currently have coverage. Hospital Indemnity shows the same pattern: 86% interested, but only 26% enrolled.
Todd Katz, head of Group Benefits at MetLife, said: “We’re at a crossroads where employees recognise the value of benefits, yet many still don’t fully understand what’s being offered.”
Much of this disconnect comes down to awareness. Around 50% of employees fully understand their benefits, and 70% want employers to provide clearer, more personalised communication.
Everyone Needs a Break Sometimes
Another report revealed a growing trend of “multi retirements,” which involved intentional breaks from work that allow people to realign their priorities, pursue passions, or even reinvent themselves. This trend became more popular, specifically among younger workers who want to “escape the grind” and “feel more alive.”
In the US, a third of respondents say they plan to take at least one mini retirement, with most envisioning a pause of six to twelve months. The average ideal age for the first break is 46, suggesting that many see these intervals as a mid-career opportunity rather than a traditional end-of-career milestone.
Motivations for mini retirements vary across generations, reflecting different life stages and priorities. Gen Z views these breaks as opportunities for personal growth, lifelong learning, and the pursuit of passions, while Millennials would like to spend more time with their families.
