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Benefits 2.0

Insights for manufacturing plan sponsors

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Engineered for today, unprepared for tomorrow

Benefits 2.0 research from the Economist Enterprise, supported by Nuveen, analyzes emerging trends in employer-provided benefits. It combines insights from a survey of 2,000 workers with in-depth consultations with business leaders and benefits providers.

Manufacturing workers are among the most engaged in retirement planning of any sector we surveyed. Yet that same workforce is grappling with affordability pressures on every front: 56% have switched to lower-cost benefit tiers to make ends meet, a third of caregivers struggled to access support in just the past year, and many are delaying both children and retirement as costs rise.

New research from Economist Enterprise, supported by Nuveen, explores how manufacturers can turn benefits from a compensating factor into a strategic advantage: closing affordability gaps today while preparing for a workforce transformed by automation tomorrow. Explore the research to see what the data shows.

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What workers value most
What workers value most icon
What workers value most
What workers value most icon
What workers value most

Manufacturing workers are prioritizing benefits over wages


As affordability challenges grow, manufacturing workers are looking to benefits to provide financial security.

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Are retirement benefits cutting it?
Are retirement benefits cutting it icon
Are retirement benefits cutting it?
Are retirement benefits cutting it icon
Are retirement benefits cutting it

Dissatisfaction with retirement plans is common in the industry, regardless of plan type.


Even workers with a traditional pension are nearly twice as likely to want a different plan compared to peers in other industries.

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Smarter benefits
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Automation could open new opportunities for manufacturing benefits


Most workers are optimistic that new tech will be a net positive for their benefits experience.

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Benefits 2.0

Affordability today, automation tomorrow: reshaping manufacturing benefits

Modernized benefits are key to attracting workers as US manufacturing faces mass retirements and automation.
Economist Enterprise
06 Oct 2026
Benefits 2.0

Caregivers in manufacturing face urgent challenges accessing the benefits they need

Manufacturing caregivers struggle to access employer benefits far more than those in other industries.
Economist Enterprise
06 Oct 2026
Benefits 2.0

Manufacturing workers are more actively engaged in retirement planning—but junior employees lag

Manufacturing workers lead in retirement planning, but junior employees lag and need more support.
Economist Enterprise
06 Oct 2026
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Retirement income is in demand

Retirement income is gaining traction among 401(k) participants in manufacturing companies
Learn more

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Craig Maalouf

Managing Director, Nuveen Retirement Investing
Nuveen and Economist Impact, or any of their affiliates or subsidiaries are not affiliated with or in any way related to each other. The research was independently developed by Economist Impact and is sponsored by Nuveen, LLC.
 
This material is for informational and educational purposes only as of the date of production/writing and may change without notice at any time based on numerous factors, such as market, economic or other conditions, legal and regulatory developments, additional risks and uncertainties and may not come to pass. All information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty (express or implied) as to the current accuracy, reliability or completeness of, nor liability for, decisions based on such information, and it should not be relied on as such.
 
Any guarantees are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing company.