Helping employees engage with their workplace pension isn’t just a compliance tick-box, it can also be a valuable opportunity. Research suggests many employees feel disconnected from their pension and may welcome additional support from their employer. Improving engagement could enhance financial wellbeing, loyalty, and long-term financial security for your workforce.
At Secondsight, we can support organisations in making pensions more accessible through clear communication, tailored education, and digital solutions that meet employees where they are. Here’s how you may strengthen engagement with your workplace pension offering.
1. Make pensions relevant to every employee
Pensions can feel abstract or distant, which may reduce engagement.
Linking pension messaging to life stages or key moments, such as onboarding, receiving a pay rise, or approaching retirement can help employees understand potential impacts on their personal goals.
Personalised education could help employees see how contributions, salary sacrifice, and employer matching may influence long-term outcomes. Many employees may not be aware of their contribution levels or estimated savings, so clear explanations could help them feel more in control of their future.
2. Understand your workforce and tailor your approach
Different groups may have different needs and priorities. Younger employees could value flexibility and digital tools, while more experienced workers may be more focused on retirement timing and income security.
Consider:
- Generational needs: Employees may have different priorities, from managing student debt to planning for retirement income.
- Life circumstances: Caring responsibilities, career breaks, and income levels could influence pension decisions.
- Diversity and inclusion: Gender and ethnicity gaps in pension savings may exist; tailored support may help employees make informed choices.
Secondsight can assist HR and reward teams in segmenting their workforce and personalising communications so each employee can see the potential value of engaging with their pension.
3. Connect pensions with broader financial wellbeing
Pension engagement may be influenced by broader financial concerns. Many employees may feel overwhelmed by the combination of short-term financial demands and long-term retirement planning.
Financial wellbeing initiatives could help employees understand how pensions fit into their overall financial picture. Workshops, webinars, and digital tools may reduce anxiety and encourage meaningful engagement.
Secondsight’s educational workshops and digital guides are designed to make complex topics accessible and actionable for HR teams, supporting employees to make decisions that could positively affect their financial wellbeing.
4. Communicate clearly, consistently, and creatively
Effective pension communication isn’t just about sending one annual letter.
Best practice may include:
- Simple, jargon-free language
- Multiple channels, such as email, intranet, webinars, or posters
- Timely nudges around life events, bonus payments, or awareness campaigns
Employees may be more likely to engage when communications feel relevant, personalised, and easy to access. User-friendly digital experiences could help employees see how their savings may grow over time.
Secondsight can help develop benefits communication strategies that integrate pensions into your wider employee engagement initiatives.
5. Help employees take action — not just read about it
Engagement may be increased when employees are given the tools and support to take action, rather than just receiving information.
Consider providing:
- Clear instructions on accessing pension portals
- Guidance on adjusting contributions or investments
- Signposting to pension dashboards and planning calculators
- Optional workshops, Q&As, or one-to-one support
Employees who engage with their pension information could feel more invested in their outcomes, and may also appreciate the support offered by their employer.
Why it matters
Workplace pensions are one of the most significant financial benefits an employer may offer. Low engagement could mean employees are not maximising potential benefits, and organisations may miss opportunities to enhance retention and satisfaction.
By improving pension communication, tailoring education to your workforce, and connecting pensions to wider financial wellbeing initiatives, you can help employees better understand and engage with their pension. This approach could support recruitment, retention, and overall financial wellbeing.
At Secondsight, we specialise in helping organisations develop strategies, communications, and tools that may increase employee engagement with pensions. If you’d like to explore how your organisation could improve pension engagement, we’re here to help.
Please note:
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.
