How Robust Retirement Plans Improve Employee Retention

The Headliner

A periodic round-up of what’s happening in the Retirement Plan Industry

The Secret Weapon for Employee Retention: Your Retirement Plan 

Let’s talk about something crucial to your company’s success: keeping your best employees. We all know the frustration—you invest time and resources in finding the perfect fit, only to see them leave after a few years. It’s costly, disruptive, and damages the team dynamic you’ve worked hard to build. 

But what if there was a hidden secret to solving this problem? A benefit that not only attracts top talent but also convinces them to stay and thrive long-term? Enter the robust retirement plan. A well-designed retirement plan can be a game-changer for employee retention. How, you ask? Let’s dive into the reasons: 

Coworkers practicing teamwork.


1. The Value of a Secure Future: 

Employee financial security creates a sense of well-being and stability. Studies show that 75% of new hires view a company’s 401(k) as a compelling reason to stay. Offering a strong retirement plan shows you’re committed to their long-term success, resulting in happier and more focused employees who bring their best selves to work each day. It’s a win-win for both your team and your company. 

2. Attracting Top Talent:

In today’s competitive job market, a comprehensive benefits package is essential to attract top talent. A strong retirement plan helps you stand out from your competitors. Candidates often value benefits, such as a 401(k) or pension plan, more than salary increases. According to a Glassdoor survey, 4 out of 5 employees prefer benefits over a pay raise, drawing in candidates who are seeking not just a job, but a career with a secure future.

3. Feeling Valued Matters:

When you offer a robust retirement plan, you send a clear message: You care about your employees’ well-being. This fosters loyalty and commitment, making them feel like an important part of something bigger. It’s your way of saying, “We’re invested in you, and we want you to succeed for the long haul.”

4. Higher Engagement and Productivity

Financially secure employees are more engaged at work. They’re not distracted by worries about their future. Retirement plans, especially those with employer matching contributions, act as motivational tools that encourage employees to stay longer and maximize their benefits. Engaged employees are more productive, driving company success and reducing turnover costs.

5. Incentivizing Longevity with Vesting Schedules

Retirement plans with vesting schedules give employees a reason to stay longer. By creating a system where employees earn ownership of employer-contributed retirement funds over time, you incentivize loyalty. The longer an employee stays, the more they benefit. This structure discourages job-hopping and rewards commitment.

Coworkers in a team environment.

Key Elements of a Robust Retirement Plan 
  • Generous Contributions: Employer matching contributions can significantly increase the value of the plan for employees. 
  • Investment Options: Offering a variety of investment choices allows employees to tailor their retirement savings to their risk tolerance and financial goals. 
  • Education and Guidance: Providing financial education and counseling helps employees make informed decisions about their retirement savings.
  • Automatic Enrollment and Escalation: Auto-enrolling employees and automatically increasing their contributions over time encourages consistent saving. 

At Maxus Plan Solutions, we specialize in designing retirement plans that meet both business owners’ and employees’ needs. Whether you’re looking to implement a 401(k) with matching contributions or want to explore innovative options like automatic enrollment and escalation, we’ve got you covered. Investing in a robust retirement plan is a strategic move that pays off through loyalty, engagement, and a strong workforce that grows with your business. 


 

Part 2: 

Real Case Studies that Prove Robust Retirement Plans Boost Retention 

In the previous section, we discussed why offering a robust retirement plan improves employee retention. Now, let’s look at real-world examples of companies that have leveraged retirement benefits to boost loyalty and engagement. These examples prove that this strategy isn’t just theoretical—it delivers measurable results. 

Team cheer.

  • Willis Towers Watson Survey: 401(k)s as a Retention Tool 

A study by Willis Towers Watson found that 75% of employees cited their company’s 401(k) plan as a primary reason for staying with their employer, especially when a matching contribution was offered. The study showed that top employees are less likely to leave if they knew they would lose out on significant retirement benefits, particularly when those benefits grow with tenure. 

  • October Three Consulting: The Power of Hybrid Plans 

Companies using hybrid retirement plans, which combine features of both defined benefit (DB) and defined contribution (DC) plans, also see benefits. October Three Consulting helped companies implement plans with guaranteed lifetime income alongside personal savings options. These hybrid plans offer stable, long-term benefits like traditional pensions but with more flexibility, creating strong incentives for employees to stay. Companies reported lower turnover rates and higher engagement, especially among younger employees who value financial security. 

  • Healthcare Company’s Approach to Retirement Benefits 

A major healthcare organization, looking to improve both recruitment and retention, revamped its retirement benefits to include automatic enrollment and a matching 401(k). By simplifying the process and making contributions automatic, the company saw a significant rise in employee participation. Moreover, employees became more financially engaged, and retention improved dramatically. They realized that a robust retirement plan was a cornerstone of their employee value proposition, helping them attract and retain top healthcare professionals. 

  • Human Interest Case Study: Tech Industry 

Human Interest, a company specializing in 401(k) administration, worked with a tech firm facing high turnover. The firm implemented a 401(k) plan with a generous match and immediate eligibility for new hires. Within a year, the company saw a 30% reduction in turnover, with employees citing the retirement plan as a major reason for staying. Leadership also noted that offering a 401(k) made them more competitive in the job market, attracting top-tier talent from larger tech companies.  

How Maxus Plan Solutions Can Help You Achieve These Results 

At Maxus Plan Solutions, we understand that offering a robust retirement plan is more than just a perk—it’s a strategic move that can transform your business. From plan design to implementation, we tailor every retirement solution to meet your specific business needs. Whether you’re a small business introducing a new 401(k) or a growing company ready to offer more advanced retirement features, we have the expertise to make it happen. 

Investing in your employees’ futures isn’t just good for them—it’s great for your business. Contact Maxus Plan Solutions today to learn how we can help you boost employee retention through innovative and effective retirement planning. 

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