What’s the biggest challenge for those responsible for administrating their company’s 401k plan while working from home? How is that challenge best overcome?
Education
With the large influx of employees working from home, telecommuting may be here to stay. Companies need to rethink how they’ve addressed 401k communications in the past. One never knows when the “new” normal will appear.
Now is the time for 401k plan sponsors to seize their fiduciary mantle and provide the guidance and tools plan participants need to dodge emotional decisions that could ruin their chance for a comfortable retirement.
It’s important to remember that the 401k MEP is just a vehicle. Whether they truly meet the objective of employees saving more for retirement and doing so effectively and efficiently comes down to execution.
Perhaps, just as plan sponsors have developed onboarding programs for new hires when it comes to saving for retirement, maybe they should add “unboarding” programs as a bookend for those nearing retirement.
It appears all but certain the floodgates will soon open wide, unleashing a torrent of trade association sponsored 401k MEPs. If you’re looking for the trigger that will open those floodgates, here’s what you should be paying attention to.
Not being able to easily monitor how former employees apply these tools, however, can increase the fiduciary liability of plan sponsors.
You can’t do anything about it if you don’t know what the “it” is you need to do something about. It is therefore important for plan sponsors to devote resources that increase employee awareness.
If plan sponsors can train their employees to use these same tactics for their retirement, they’ll be more likely to practice those tactics at work. And that’s good for business.
Top 5 FiduciaryNews.com Stories in 2019 for the 401k Plan Sponsor and Fiduciary
The articles that caught the greatest interest may indicate not only answers people seek but future directions they intend to go. Let’s take a look.