Urban InstituteRetirement Policy Center

Research Spotlight

Firms may increase 401(k) participation rates by automatically enrolling workers, but higher participation rates raise costs for employers that match employee plan contributions. Match rates are significantly lower for firms that automatically enroll eligible workers than for those that do not.

Average Predicted 401(k) Match Rates, by Automatic Enrollment

Source: Will Automatic Enrollment Reduce Employer Contributions to 401(k) Plans? (2009)

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