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Manufacturing

Icon of pen and paperWhat workers value most
Manufacturing workers are prioritizing benefits over wages

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

Most influential factors in the decision to continue working in manufacturing:Share of workers that included factor among their top three
Job stability and security
53%
Strong benefits
46%
Opportunities for training and career advancement
35%
Health and safety protections in the workplace
31%
Reliable hours or predictable schedules
31%
Competitive pay and bonuses
27%
Source: Economist Enterprise 2025 Benefits 2.0 survey
Icon of piggy bankAre retirement benefits cutting it?
Dissatisfaction with retirement plans is common in the industry—regardless of plan type
Share of workers who would prefer to switch retirement plans
Workers without traditional pensionsWorkers with pensions
34%
27%
Manufacturing
24%
14%
Other industries
Source: Economist Enterprise 2025 Benefits 2.0 survey
Icon of piggy bankSmarter benefits
Automation could open new opportunities for manufacturing benefits

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

Percentage of workers who say automation will…
53%
…lead to a greater focus on training and career development
43%
…expand performance-based or skills-linked pay/bonuses
43%
…increase emphasis on mental health and well-being support
39%
…enhance benefits due to lower labor costs
Source: Economist Enterprise 2025 Benefits 2.0 survey
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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