A new asset-class-focused approach is also beginning to be adopted, with a better fixed income and equity balance. Ultimately, more plans will also move even further into risk diversification mode.

Expect some action on the part of the federal government, including a proposal for automatic IRAs for many workers, as retirement reform dovetails with tax reform.

Fidelity says any additional overhaul should exclude Treasury, government and tax-exempt funds.

Economists are increasingly, but still cautiously, optimistic about growth in the year ahead with the hiring expected to pick up in coming months.