According to a recently released national survey by MetLife, employee retention was rated the most important benefits objective by more than half of employers. “Over the past 18 months, 22% of employees changed employers,” the study says. “Looking ahead over the next 18 months, nearly three-quarters of employers believe that the competition for talent will intensify.” The study looks at the importance of employee benefits as a recruiting/retention tool and the need for benefit education and advice. It suggests that employers who tailor benefits to meet workers “life-stage” needs and can effectively communicate benefit options will be able to better attract and retain the best workers. See The MetLife Study of Employee Benefit Trends for the survey report.