Supporting Long-Term Financial Security Through Retirement Benefits
Retirement benefits are a core part of employee benefits programs. They help employees build income for retirement while reinforcing stability and continuity within the organization.
When retirement benefits are positioned as a shared priority, both employers and participants benefit. Employees gain confidence in their future, and employers support a more engaged and committed workforce.
Why Retirement Benefits Matter to Today’s Workforce
Employees increasingly view retirement readiness as a key measure of financial well-being. Retirement benefits help employees plan for retirement with greater confidence and clarity.
For employers, retirement benefits help:
- Improve retention and employee satisfaction
- Build trust through long-term support
- Encourage participation across age groups
- Strengthen total benefits offerings
In most cases, employees who understand their retirement benefits are more likely to participate and stay engaged over time.
What Are Retirement Benefits?
Defining Retirement Benefits
Retirement benefits are employer-sponsored programs that support long-term savings and retirement income planning. These benefits typically include structured retirement plans that allow employees to contribute to an account over time.
Retirement benefits serve as long-term savings vehicles that complement current income and other benefits.
How Retirement Benefits Fit Into a Broader Benefits Strategy
Retirement benefits work best when aligned with a broader benefits strategy. Alongside health benefits and other offerings, they form part of total compensation.
A coordinated approach helps employees understand how their benefits work together to support retirement goals.
Types of Retirement Plans Offered
Defined Contribution Retirement Plans
Defined contribution retirement plans allow employees to contribute a portion of income into an individual account. Employers may also contribute based on plan design.
Participants play an active role in managing contributions and account allocations over time.
Defined Benefit Plans and Pension Options
Defined benefit plans provide retirement income based on a formula that considers factors such as age, years of service, and compensation. These plans involve long-term funding responsibilities and careful administration.
Defined benefit plans remain appropriate in certain workforce structures and industry settings.
Comparing Retirement Plan Types
Different plan types support different goals. Some plans emphasize flexibility, while others focus on predictable retirement income.
Understanding plan types helps employers choose retirement benefits that align with workforce needs and business priorities.
Connect with an Advisor
401(k) and Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans
401(k) Plans and Matching Strategies
401(k) plans are a widely used retirement benefit that allows employees to start saving through regular contributions. Employer matching strategies can encourage participation and support long-term savings.
Matching contributions often increase engagement across participants.
Managing Retirement Accounts for Participants
Clear processes help participants manage retirement accounts effectively. This includes enrollment, contribution changes, and access to account information.
Support resources help employees view balances, update elections, and manage accounts throughout the year.
Retirement Planning Across the Employee Lifecycle
Supporting Employees at Different Stages of Retirement
Employees engage with retirement benefits differently based on age and career stage. Early-career employees focus on starting to save, while mid-career employees may change contribution levels.
Later-career employees often focus on readiness, income planning, and when to retire.
Helping Employees Start, Change, or Update Their Plans
Retirement benefits should support employees as their needs change. Employees may start a plan, update contributions, or make changes as life circumstances evolve.
Clear guidance helps employees take action with confidence.
Financial Education and Employee Engagement
Retirement Education and Planning Resources
Education helps employees learn how retirement benefits work. Resources may include workshops, digital tools, and access to information that supports better decisions.
Providing opportunities to learn helps employees build confidence in their retirement planning.
Improving Employee Confidence and Participation
When participants understand their retirement benefits, participation improves. Clear communication and ongoing education support long-term engagement.
Beneficiaries, Survivorship, and Family Considerations
Naming Beneficiaries and Managing Plan Records
Designating beneficiaries is an important part of retirement benefits. Accurate records help ensure benefits align with employee intentions.
Employees may need to update beneficiary information following life changes such as marriage or changes in family status.
Survivor Benefits and Continuity Planning
Some retirement benefits include survivor provisions that support a spouse or family member after death. These considerations require clear communication and proper documentation.
Compliance, Administration, and Governance
Retirement Plan Administration and Oversight
Retirement benefits require ongoing oversight and administration. This includes monitoring plans, supporting participants, and managing service providers.
Strong governance helps ensure plans remain aligned with regulations and organizational goals.
Tax Documents and Regulatory Requirements
Retirement plans involve tax documents and regulatory filings. Employers often work with advisors to help manage compliance and support accurate reporting.
Application, Enrollment, and Ongoing Management
Applying and Enrolling in Retirement Plans
Enrollment processes help employees apply for participation in retirement plans. Clear application steps reduce confusion and support timely enrollment.
Employees typically qualify based on employment status and plan rules.
Ongoing Plan Management and Annual Reviews
Retirement benefits benefit from regular reviews. Annual evaluations help ensure plans continue to meet workforce needs and business objectives over time.
Retirement Income and Long-Term Outcomes
Planning for Retirement Income
Retirement benefits are designed to support income in retirement. Planning involves understanding contributions, savings levels, and expected retirement income.
Transitioning From Active Employment to Retirement
As employees prepare to retire, retirement benefits support the transition from active employment to retirement income. Guidance helps employees understand what they may receive and when benefits become available.
Social Security and Retirement Planning Context
Understanding the Role of Social Security Retirement Benefits
Social Security retirement benefits represent one source of retirement income. Employer-sponsored retirement benefits help supplement these benefits and provide additional financial support.
Coordinating Employer Plans With External Benefits
High-level coordination between employer plans and external benefits helps create a more complete retirement picture while keeping focus on workplace retirement benefits.
Why Employers Choose Our Retirement Benefits Services
Customized Retirement Plan Design
We design retirement benefits strategies that align with workforce needs, company goals, and long-term planning objectives.
Expert Guidance and Ongoing Support
Our advisors provide ongoing help, guidance, and oversight as retirement benefits evolve over time.
Driving Employee Engagement and Satisfaction
Clear communication and thoughtful plan design help employees understand, trust, and engage with their retirement benefits.
Cost-Conscious and Strategic Plan Management
Strategic management helps balance value, cost, and compliance while supporting business priorities.
Getting Started With Retirement Benefits
Evaluating Your Current Retirement Benefits
Reviewing existing retirement benefits helps employers find gaps, identify opportunities, and ask the right questions.
Building a Retirement Benefits Strategy That Scales
Our approach includes discovery, design, and implementation, with a focus on long-term partnership and adaptability.
