Workers can’t retire? Take 401(k) plan design to the next level

Employees have been retiring later and later due to well-known factors: people are living longer, full Social Security benefits are starting later, inflation is eroding the purchasing power of most employees and retirees, health care costs are high and rising, and defined contribution balances need to cover increasing portions of retirement living expenses.

Defined contribution retirement accounts (e.g. 401(k) or 403(b) plans) have significant investment risk and don’t necessarily last a lifetime as defined benefit annuities did prior to their decline. Indeed, the shift towards defined contribution plans as the primary vehicle to support retirement expenses for life is a key factor pushing employees to work longer. Employees concerned about outliving their retirement savings often choose to continue to work rather than retire and rely on their accumulated balances.

Later voluntary retirements can have significant negative unintended and costly financial consequences for many employers. Many organizations rely on building key talent from within, focusing their hiring on lower, entry levels and using career development and advancement to help percolate talent up into the higher ranks.