September 6, the Friday after Labor Day, is 401(k) Day, a time for employers to focus on financial wellness and empowering employees to take charge of their financial futures – and encouraging them to take advantage of employer matching contributions.
With high levels of debt, many employees are financially vulnerable, which is why they need employers to offer financial workshops and webinars and incentivize participation in savings programs, like emergency saving accounts.
The first step is understanding the factors driving this ongoing upward cost trend, like specialty drugs, then conducting an audit of all current benefits offerings to help identify underutilized programs.
It's becoming more common for employers to offer employees dual participation – in 401(k) and stock option plans –but employers should look to offer financial wellness workshops and seminars on a frequent basis.
Companies are increasingly recognizing the value of offering comprehensive family-building benefits, not only to support employees but also to attract and retain top talent.
As one in four retirees are still paying off mortgages and paying down credit card debt, financial advisors and employers need to advise pre-retirees about different retirement solutions and products, according to Nationwide.
With increasing numbers of employees looking to their employers to help support them on their financial journey, it's essential for benefits brokers to leverage this opportunity to enhance the value they provide.