State of the American worker: 38% lack medical insurance; more lack dental and vision care

A new study reveals the top industries in which workers say they lack income for basic needs. They include health care, office administration, customer service, education, and retail. Only 39% of men and 30% of women report that their employer offers opportunities for pay raises.

But, as Jobcase’s “America@Work: 2022 Report on the American Workforce” details, pay isn’t the only thing employees across a variety of industries are worried about. They’re not receiving proper benefits packages, either — whether that be retirement support, built-in sick days, or family leave. Many also go without basic medical insurance, according to the report, and even more are living without other forms of employer-sponsored insurance.

Here’s a breakdown of how many employees lack insurance coverage:

• No medical insurance: 39%
• No dental insurance: 49%
• No vision insurance: 49%
• No life insurance: 67%
• No disability insurance: 79%
• No mental health support: 83%

“America’s workers understand that every day they roll up their sleeves to help grow our economy, while their own lot is falling further behind,” Fred Goff, co-founder and chief executive officer of Jobcase, says in a statement. “As we fight inflation and navigate recession fears, this is a moment to lean into empowering workers more, not less, wherever we can. Worker concerns are common sense, and their requests are reasonable. Addressing them will benefit employers in the long run every bit as much as it will benefit employees.”

The survey includes responses from 4,000 hourly and skills-based employees between the ages of 18 and 70 earning up to $75,000 per year. It provides an in-depth look at the state of the American worker — including gaps between what workers want and what employers are delivering.

The report also includes findings about pay and workplace opportunities — including the following:

• 39% of respondents say their take-home pay isn’t enough to meet basic needs, and only 34% feel confident they can save enough for retirement.

• Less than one-third of employees (32%) say they have received opportunities for advancement or promotion — or even career growth via training or education.

• The top three concerns among skilled and hourly workers include pay not keeping up with inflation (40%), inadequate pay (26%), and employee turnover (23%).

• Nearly 2 in 3 employees are considering taking “drastic action” to better their opportunities, with 31% securing (or pursuing) a second job and 23% considering switching jobs.

The good news is that 68% of employees indicate they are likely to recommend a company to others if they know the company treats its employees well, and 61% are likely to shop somewhere that is known for treating its employees well.

Read more: Workplace satisfaction at a 20-year low

“It’s time that employers do more than sign pledges and speak to stakeholder capitalism; it is time to walk the walk,” Goff says. “We should all stand ready to better support worker-friendly employers — from government policy to where we direct our spending. Together we can bring about constructive and collaborative change to address workforce concerns and reshape the future for America’s workers and thus help reaccelerate America’s economy.”