Why the design and availability of workplace retirement benefits matter beyond long-term savings

Workplace benefits continue to play an important role in how employees evaluate their overall employment experience. New October 2026 research from LIMRA found that only 45% of employees are very satisfied with their overall workplace benefits packages, while 15% are actively dissatisfied. Among workers who are dissatisfied with their benefits, 73% say those benefits make them less inclined to stay with their current employer.

The findings suggest that benefit strategy can have implications beyond compensation. Employees who feel that their benefits do not adequately address their needs may view the overall employment package less favorably. For employers, this makes it important to understand not only which benefits are offered, but also whether those benefits are relevant and accessible to different segments of the workforce.

Retirement savings are one area where this gap is particularly visible. LIMRA found that only 38% of dissatisfied employees have access to a workplace retirement savings plan. Retirement savings plans were also identified among the benefits these workers most wanted but did not currently have access to.

For employers, this highlights the importance of considering retirement benefits as part of a broader employee benefits strategy. A well-designed retirement plan can help address an important employee need while supporting a more comprehensive benefits offering. Plan design, cost, workforce characteristics, and ongoing administration all need to be considered when developing a solution.

RetireBetter provides customized retirement solutions across 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and Cash Balance plans. Its 401(k) plans are built around each client’s business rather than an off-the-shelf structure, with professional service designed to support both employers and participants. RetireBetter also provides Plan Administration services, including 3(16) fiduciary or non-fiduciary administration, to help reduce the day-to-day administrative burden for employers.

Ultimately, retirement benefits are about more than helping employees save for the future. They can also be an important part of how employees experience and evaluate the overall value of their workplace benefits. For employers, understanding that connection can help inform more thoughtful and effective benefits strategies.