Caregivers struggle to access benefits

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Caregivers in manufacturing face urgent challenges accessing the benefits they need

“Have you had difficulty accessing/using your employer's caregiving benefits?” (asked to caregivers)

Yes, in the last 12 monthsYes, 1-5 years agoYes, more than 5 years agoNo

33%11%11%44%

Manufacturing

14%20%12%54%

Other industries

Source: Economist Enterprise 2025 Benefits 2.0 survey

Among workers who are caregivers, those in manufacturing report notably greater difficulty accessing or using employer caregiving benefits than those in other sectors. The latest Benefits 2.0 survey, conducted by Economist Enterprise and supported by Nuveen, finds that a third (33%) say they have struggled in the past 12 months, compared with just 14% across other industries.

The gap is notable because it is concentrated in the past year, suggesting caregiving pressures are a current workforce challenge, not a legacy issue—and that benefits may not be keeping pace with workers’ needs. More than half of manufacturing caregivers (56%) report facing such difficulties at some point in their careers, compared with 46% elsewhere. Improving access to caregiving support could be critical in addressing these challenges—and may help the sector attract and retain more women

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Disclosure statement:

Nuveen and Economist Enterprise, 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 Enterprise 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.

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