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

  • Budget Tools

    6 Ways a Budget Can Help You Gain Control

    March 6, 2023
    Does the “Case of the Missing Money” sound like a popular mystery in your household? So often small purchases add up into bigger chunks of money that seem to disappear without an explanation. There is a way to gain more control of your personal finances. With these 6 simple action points you can get a handle on your income and expenses, so that you can build your savings and prepare for unexpected emergencies or large purchases or even a recession.
    Read this Article
  • Christmas Shopping Lessons for Investors

    December 7, 2021
    There’s a generational cycle that is both fascinating and important to understand as an investor. Find out why it’s important to ask yourself, “Is that investment an innovation or an improvement on an existing product?” It could explain why today’s business environment seems flush with billionaires younger than 30. It’s also helpful when you’re deciding to invest in the right new product – Facebook and not MySpace for instance.
    Read this Article
  • Was 9/11 This Generation's Pearl Harbor?

    Was 9/11 This Generation's Pearl Harbor?

    September 13, 2021
    There are chilling similarities between Pearl Harbor and 9/11 – but fundamental differences too. Which event will have a lasting effect on our future? What meaning and significance from these two catastrophic attacks will have a greater impact on America?
    Read this Article
  • Keeping Emotions and Investing Separate

    Keeping Emotions and Investing Separate

    August 4, 2023
    Reducing your emotions can give you a better chance for investing success. For many investors this may seem almost impossible to do. This article gives you four tips on how to keep your emotions and investing separate.
    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