MetLife Australia has urged advisers to step up and help clients cope with financial anxieties caused by the coronavirus-induced economic slump.

The call comes as an online survey carried out last month reveals almost 60% of consumers believe the downturn has directly affected their finances.

About 30% of the respondents, who have financial advisers, have checked their super balances, compared with the 26% who have no advisers but acted similarly.

Half of the respondents have received COVID-19 information from their financial providers and 11% have changed their investment strategies.

MetLife says the survey findings suggest this is a time for advisers to demonstrate their value-add.

“Providing regular communications across a variety of channel options…and the reassurance of a long-term investment view are all simple steps that financial providers can take to relieve their customers’ stress and support their overall wellbeing,” Chief Customer and Marketing Officer Chesne Stafford said.

“By going the extra mile, financial providers can develop deeper relationships with their customer base that will last well beyond the crisis.”