Employers are asking more from their retirement programs: better employee experience, stronger retirement readiness and measurable workforce value. But many employers are still operating without a clear, consistent view of what successful retirement outcomes should look like.
Findings from WTW’s 2026 U.S. Defined Contribution Survey reveal where the gap exists and where employers are focusing next to close it.
What the full report will explore
WTW’s 2026 U.S. Defined Contribution Survey report will examine how employers are responding to rising expectations for retirement programs and where the biggest opportunities exist to improve outcomes for employees and organizations. The full findings will explore:
- How employers are defining retirement readiness — and why a clearer definition of success is essential to measuring progress.
- How data, analytics and AI are reshaping retirement plan decisions — from participant insights to more targeted communications and support.
- How sponsors are creating capacity for higher-impact retirement strategy — including new approaches to governance, administration and delivery.
- How employers are supporting employees at and through retirement — particularly as interest grows in retirement income solutions and spending-phase support.
Four opportunities for action
Define readiness, not just retirement
Most employers have defined retirement readiness, but there’s little agreement on what success looks like. Leading organizations are aligning retirement readiness measures with workforce and business objectives.
3 in 5sponsors have defined retirement readiness
Move beyond the averages
Organizations have more data than ever, but many still manage retirement programs through broad aggregate metrics. Segmented analytics and AI-enabled insights offer opportunities to identify participants who need support most.
SURVEY REPORT
Get early access to the survey results
Sign up to receive WTW’s latest findings on how employers are defining retirement readiness, using data and AI, modernizing plan delivery and strengthening support as employees move from saving to spending.
Closing the retirement outcomes gap
Join WTW on October 6 for new survey findings and practical actions
4 in 5sponsors are willing to leverage AI for data analytics and monitoring
Create capacity for higher-impact retirement strategy
As plan oversight becomes more complex, employers are looking for ways to reduce and outsource administrative burden and focus more time on their retirement plan strategy and improving participant outcomes.
1 in 5employers are considering or planning to delegate future delivery
Modernize at-retirement support
Strong accumulation programs alone aren’t enough. As employees transition from saving to spending, sponsors are exploring retirement income solutions and other approaches that strengthen confidence and retirement security.
Interest in retirement income solutions continues to grow, with 3 in 10 sponsors planning to offer an in-plan retirement income solution.
Closing the retirement outcomes gap
The opportunity is no longer simply improving retirement plans — it's improving retirement outcomes. Employers that clearly define success, use data to guide decisions and support employees throughout their retirement journey will be better positioned to enhance employee experience, strengthen workforce outcomes and maximize the value of their retirement programs.
Get early access to the 2026 U.S. Defined Contribution Survey results
Sign up to be among the first to receive WTW’s latest findings on how employers are defining retirement readiness, using data and AI, modernizing plan delivery and strengthening support as employees move from saving to spending.