MetLife Study Finds AI Acceleration Is Creating New Concerns in Today's Workplace


AI tools are now part of everyday tasks for 80% of employers, with 83% saying AI helps employees work faster. Beneath the productivity gains lies growing anxiety. MetLife's 2026 US Employee Benefit Trends Study, surveying over 5,000 U.S. workers and employers, reveals a workforce caught between optimism and concern.


Key findings from the study:

  • 61% of employees worry about AI's ethical and safety risks (bias, misinformation, lack of accountability)—up 5% from last year
  • 59% fear AI will make their skills obsolete faster than new opportunities emerge
  • 24% of employees feel like they're competing with AI at work
  • 67% of employers say AI is creating friction or mistrust between staff and management
  • The study introduces "The Success Reset": bringing human skills, connection, and modern benefits together to help organizations move from uncertainty to confidence. Read the full article to learn how supportive benefits and skill development can help your team thrive in an AI-enabled workplace.


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AI Is Actually Boosting Hiring for Entry-Level Workers at These Companies

While many employers cite AI as a reason to cut graduate hiring, MetLife is flipping that narrative by increasing intern and new-grad hiring by nearly 30% last year and planning more growth in 2026. Why? According to Bill Pappas, MetLife's head of global technology and operations, "Entry-level jobs are the 'primary mechanisms' for professionals to learn leadership growth among other skills." Read the full article to discover how AI is reviving entry-level jobs.



Tech Talent Programming

Brews + Bytes + Insights


NC TECH is collaborating with MetLife to host a summer edition of Brews + Bytes + Insights. Attendees will hear brief comments from MetLife Technology Leaders about innovative developments at the Cary Technology Hub, followed by networking and opportunities to meet the speakers.


Registration is open to practicing tech professionals.

Summit for Women in Tech


This women-only summit brings together tech leaders for candid conversations on gender bias, personal career journeys, and driving change for today’s workforce and the next generation.


The event will feature a welcome reception, networking activities, inspiring keynotes, interactive panels, and thought-provoking discussions.


Registration is open to women working in technology.

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Tech Talent News


Code the Dream Recognized as Outstanding Registered Apprenticeship Employer of 2026 
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Corning Annouces Agreement with Amazon to U.S. Fiber Optics Manufacturing, Creating 1,000 Advanced Manufacturing Jobs for NC (Corning)


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SetFire Foundation Launches "Spring Forward: Plant 100 Seeds" Campaign to Recruit a 100 Mentors for College Students (PR.com)

Tech Careers at MetLife

MetLife's Global Technology Hub in Cary, NC employs more than 2,600 individuals, all working in inviting, collaborative spaces to unite technology, operations, and customer service team members who are driving digital transformation for the organization.


Join the MetLife Talent Community

All Open Roles at MetLife Global Technology Hub, Cary, NC

Innovative Workforce Development

Sparking STEM Interest Early



STEM PLUG transforms how K-12 students in North Carolina see themselves in STEM careers. This innovative workforce development program helps underrepresented youth build STEM identity through children's books paired with robotics and educator training. STEM PLUG integrates literacy and robotics for accessible, engaging learning while training educators to teach from a STEM identity perspective. The program expands through partnerships with NC schools, after-school programs, museums, and districts across the state.

Automating Tech Mentorships



SetFire Foundation stands apart through its digital platform that automates mentor-student matching using data-driven algorithms. It connects tech companies with college students based on skills, interests, and career goals—eliminating manual coordination and administrative burden. Tech companies onboard mentors, track progress, and measure outcomes through SetFire's centralized dashboard. This scalable, technology-enabled approach transforms mentorship from a logistical challenge into a streamlined talent pipeline solution for North Carolina tech companies.

Insights from MetLife

Meet the individuals who power MetLife's tech landscape, exploring their stories, passions, and contributions. Alongside these humanizing insights, gain valuable perspectives on the future of technology with thought-provoking editorials and articles penned by MetLife leaders.

Center for Technology Workforce Innovation

NC TECH joined forces with MetLife in 2024 to establish the Center for Technology Workforce Innovation, a unique partnership designed to serve as a hub for the state’s tech employers and employees providing resources, thought leadership, and collaboration with the overarching goal of fostering growth and vitality in North Carolina’s technology sector. For expanded news, events and resources, visit the Center for Technology Workforce Innovation webpage.

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