Stable benefits, shifting pressures: new research finds government workers prize job security, but want tools that make benefits easier to navigate as rules and costs change

New Economist Enterprise research, supported by Nuveen, highlights how a traditionally stable benefits environment is facing new complexity, creating demand for more active planning support and easier-to-use systems.

Government employees continue to rely on some of the most stable and comprehensive benefits in the US, with strong provision across healthcare, retirement and paid leave. But new research released today suggests that stability alone is no longer enough: policy changes, rising healthcare costs and administrative strain are increasing the need for clearer, more personalized benefits support.

Economist Enterprise’s 2025 Benefits 2.0 survey, supported by Nuveen, finds that stability remains a powerful retention driver. 60% of government workers cite job stability and predictable employment as one of the top reasons they stay in the sector, while 49% point to paid leave and holiday allowances. Work-life balance/flexible hours (42%) and comprehensive health coverage (42%) also rank among the most influential factors.

“Government benefits are still a critical anchor of stability, but the environment around them is changing,” said Brendan McCarthy, Head of Retirement Investing, Nuveen. “When workers feel confident at enrollment but rarely revisit retirement decisions, it creates vulnerability as policies, costs and life circumstances shift. Employers have an opportunity and responsibility to protect what makes public-sector benefits so valuable by modernizing how they’re delivered: making guidance clearer, navigation easier, and decision support more active over time.”

While government workers report relatively strong confidence about navigating benefits, the research points to a risk of passive planning, especially as retirement and healthcare rules evolve. In the survey, 77% say they feel confident comparing benefit options during open enrollment, and 75% say they understand available retirement planning options. Yet only 28% say they actively review or adjust retirement choices or contributions after their initial decisions, compared with 37% in other industries.

As benefits become more complex, workers are asking for tools that make planning and utilization easier. When asked what would have the greatest impact on how benefits adapt to personal life stage or needs, top selections included automatically updating dashboards (38%) and real-time cost estimates tailored to expected benefit usage (38%), followed by guided support during benefit-heavy life transitions (34%) and personalized recommendations based on people like you (34%).

The full findings, including data highlights and editorial analysis, are available at Nuveen.com/Benefits.

About Nuveen

Nuveen, a TIAA company, is a global investment leader, managing $1.4T in public and private assets for clients around the world, as of December 31, 2025. With broad expertise across income and alternatives, we invest in the growth of businesses, real estate, infrastructure, and natural capital, providing clients with the reliability, access, and foresight unique to our 125+ year heritage. Our prevailing perspective on the future drives our ambition to innovate and adapt our business to the changing needs of investors - all to pursue lasting performance for our clients, our communities, and our global economy.
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