As the new year begins, employers and employees alike are taking this time to think through their goals for 2020 – professionally, personally and financially. In today's business landscape, it is part of an employers' responsibilities to help employees reach their goals, and this can be done through evolving and growing employee programs and benefits provided in the workplace.

Below are six benefits and workplace trends that employers should watch in the new year:

1. Purpose and values are vital to Gen Z workers

The workforce is already undergoing a swift change as a result of Gen Z entering the workplace, challenging and quickly transforming the corporate landscape – and for Gen Z workers this includes a focus on purpose and values.

According to MetLife's 17th Annual U.S. Employee Benefit Trends Study (EBTS), more than half of Gen Z workers say work with purpose is a must have; 43 percent believe a company's mission, purpose, and values are essential; and 31 percent say diversity and inclusion programs are necessary.

2. A need for financial wellness and literacy

According to a recent MetLife poll, more than 51 percent of Americans believe a recession is coming within the year and many don't feel financially confident or literate. Socio-economic, political and personal finance stressors like this can significantly impact employee productivity and performance at work and have employees searching for ways to prepare for the potential setbacks.