Page 51 - DCAC Feb 2026 Files

 Confidence is mixed: About 1 in 4 respondents are not very/not at all confident they’ll have
enough for retirement.
 A lot of people want help: About 37% said they’d like to meet with someone (223
respondents).
o These individuals provided email addresses for someone to contact them and have an
appointment scheduled.
o Some comments suggest it’s hard to reach a rep or they want more in-person support.
 People mostly use the website. Webinars and 1:1 meetings are used less, and about 10% didn’t
use any resources this year. This is consistent with findings in the last survey when 76% of
respondents indicated they accessed their account online using the Empower retirement plan
website.
 Budgeting is a big gap: only 1 in 3 have figured out a retirement budget, which makes it harder
to know how much to save.

In written comments,* people repeatedly asked for:

• Employer match/incentives
• Clearer education (how it works, Roth vs. Traditional, taxes, withdrawals)
• Better investment options / lower fees
• Easier access to support (Lack of awareness)

*A complete list of written comments is provided that run the gamut from satisfaction to
dissatisfaction. A careful review should be conducted of all of these comments. I would suggest
reviewing reply 194, 296, 328, and 451.

Conclusions

 Participation is high, but there’s a meaningful opportunity segment
o Implication: Growth and retention aren’t just about enrollment—there’s a sizable
segment that needs re-engagement (inactive contributors) and a smaller but important
segment that needs basic enrollment education (non-participants).
 Confidence is moderate
o Implication: Even among contributors, a meaningful share doesn’t feel “on track.” That
is a prime territory for proactive “retirement readiness” communications, as well as
support from a local Retirement Plan Advisor.
 Resource usage skews heavily to the web portal; live education is underused
o Implication: Digital self-service is the dominant channel, but the
“explain/investment/budget” needs won’t be solved by a portal alone. There’s room to
increase uptake of webinars and 1:1s—especially if positioned as “quick + personalized.”
 Readiness basics are missing for most people (budgeting)
o Implication: “Budgeting & planning” is a foundational gap.