Article

Boosting Employees' Savings and Keeping Talent

Few employers still offer pension benefits, but many have company-sponsored retirement plans, like a 401(k) or 403(b). Employers concerned about losing top talent might consider generous matching contributions to the company-sponsored plan as a retention tool.

January 18, 2025
Important Disclosure: Content on our website and in our newsletters is for informational purposes only. The information provided may (or may not) directly apply to your situation. We recommend that readers work directly with a professional advisor when making decisions in the context of their specific situation.

Employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(k) or 403(b) plans, have become an essential part of the benefits package offered by companies to attract and retain employees. One of the key features of these plans is the employer's matching contribution, which can vary from company to company.

A relatively small number of employers offer generous matching contributions, exceeding the standard dollar-for-dollar match, to enhance their recruitment efforts and compensate for discontinuing defined benefit pension plans.

Let’s examine how these rich matching contributions can boost employee savings and support recruitment and retention efforts.

Attracting and Retaining Top Talent

In today's competitive job market, companies are constantly seeking ways to attract and retain top talent. Offering a generous employer match for retirement savings plans is one such strategy.

Employees who feel that their employer is invested in their long-term financial well-being are more likely to stay loyal to the company. Moreover, candidates comparing job offers may be swayed by a more attractive retirement savings match, making it a valuable recruiting tool.

The Decline of the DB Pension Plans

Many companies have phased out traditional defined benefit pension plans, which guarantee employees a specific income upon retirement. These plans have become less popular due to the financial risks and costs associated with maintaining them.

By offering a richer matching contribution for their defined contribution plans (e.g., 401(k) or 403(b) plans), employers can help offset the loss of the guaranteed income provided by pension plans, ensuring that their employees can still build substantial retirement savings.

Fostering Financial Security

Employers who are concerned about their employees' ability to retire comfortably may choose to provide a more generous match to help workers build their retirement savings faster. A rich matching contribution can significantly accelerate the growth of an employee's retirement savings, reducing the risk of financial insecurity in retirement.

This not only benefits the employees but also helps to establish a positive company culture where workers feel supported and valued.

What Employers Can Do

While relatively few employers offer rich matching contributions for their employees' retirement savings plans, those that do so reap numerous benefits. By demonstrating a commitment to their employees' long-term financial well-being, companies can foster loyalty and trust, which ultimately contribute to a more successful and prosperous organization.

As the job market continues to evolve, employers may want to consider exploring richer matching contributions as a means to gain a competitive edge in attracting and retaining top talent.

Other content you may like

  • Market Performance in Mid-Term Election Years

    Market Performance in Mid-Term Election Years

    July 19, 2022
    History shows that mid-term election years have an effect on market performance. What does that look like during the kind of market volatility already encountered in 2022? This month’s Student of the Market takes a quick look at stats showing market performance across the election cycle. There is also a quick study of stats showing the trends for Bull and Bear Markets, and recession asset class performance.
    Read this Article
  • Help Maximize Your Charitable Gifts

    Help Maximize Your Charitable Gifts

    November 17, 2024
    Charitable giving involves donating money, time, or possessions without expecting any personal benefit. The time spent formulating your charitable giving strategy can help you maximize the effect you have on the causes and organizations that are closest to your heart. Here are points to think about as you consider giving to non-profits.
    Read this Article
  • Rules for Charitable Giving are Always Changing

    Rules for Charitable Giving are Always Changing

    October 27, 2021
    There are many tax tactics to keep in mind for preparing next year’s return. Starting well in advance of the tax filing deadline is simply a prudent thing to do. But rules for charitable giving are confusing and you must be careful before entering that deduction. Here’s some things to think about regarding Charitable Giving: recent changes made by IRS, sorting through the maze of IRS rules and knowing who you can make donations to.
    Read this Article
  • Top 5 Year-End Financial Planning Tips

    Top 5 Year-End Financial Planning Tips

    December 12, 2023
    There are some basic ways you can go into the coming new year with a financial plan that can significantly impact your financial health and set the stage for a more prosperous future. Consider these 5 year-end planning tips to review your financial status before the calendar flips.
    Read this Article
  • The link you have selected is located on another server. The linked site contains information that has been created, published, maintained, or otherwise posted by institutions or organizations independent of this organization. We do not endorse, approve, certify, or control any linked websites, their sponsors, or any of their policies, activities, products, or services. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information contained therein. Visitors to any linked websites should not use or rely on the information contained therein until they have consulted with an independent financial professional. Please click “Continue to Link” to leave this website and proceed to the selected site.
    phone-handset