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

  • Crafting a Rich Life in Retirement

    July 8, 2024
    To live a rich retirement life, begin with envisioning what brings you joy and fulfillment. From there you can use these strategies to maximize the assets you have. By focusing on what matters most to you, you can combine your financial goals with a plan that works to ensure that your retirement years are not just comfortable, but truly enriched with the beauty and depth of life’s experiences.
    Read this Article
  • Summer Reminds Us to Be Flexible

    Summer Reminds Us to Be Flexible

    July 16, 2023
    No one knows what tomorrow will bring. Your financial plan must be adaptable too. You don’t just set it and forget it. So how does someone grasp a fast-changing world to formulate a job or career strategy, and an investment strategy to accumulate capital needed to fund their secure future?
    Read this Article
  • Plan Your Finances as You Would Your Workout

    Plan Your Finances as You Would Your Workout

    January 24, 2023
    You exercise to benefit from your sweat equity in the future, right? The strategy of a good workout is to intentionally place stress on our muscles so that when a health problem arises, our bodies are in better condition to deal with the situation. You also need an investment strategy to accommodate unforeseen future events, such as market downturns.
    Read this Article
  • DEC Student of the Market

    Looking to Consecutive Years for Insight

    December 28, 2021
    Three strong years in a row for stocks and consecutive years with negative bond returns are considered in this December issue of Student of the Market. Stock market volatility in the past decade, growth versus value, and inflation stats as well.
    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