J.P. Morgan Survey: Plan Participants Seek Simpler Retirement Decisions and Income Support

J.P. Morgan Asset Management's 2026 Defined Contribution (DC) Plan Participant Survey highlights a growing demand for simplified retirement planning and increased support in securing retirement income. The findings indicate that participants, particularly younger generations, expect more guidance from their employers and plans to navigate their financial futures.

The survey found that 73% of participants would prefer an "easy button" to delegate their retirement planning and investing entirely, a significant increase from 55% in 2016. Additionally, 91% of participants expressed interest in in-plan solutions that offer guaranteed retirement income, with 75% indicating they would keep assets in the plan if such an option were available.

Generational differences are also apparent, with younger participants, such as Gen Z, placing a greater expectation on employers to assist with retirement savings compared to older generations like Baby Boomers. A substantial portion of participants, 59%, believe they should be contributing more to their retirement savings.

Furthermore, the research identified that unexpected financial shocks are a common reason for participants to take loans or withdrawals from their retirement plans. Participants without emergency savings are nearly 70% more likely to have taken such actions.

J.P. Morgan Asset Management states that ongoing advancements in plan design, savings tools, and solutions for both accumulation and decumulation are crucial to address these expectations and enhance participant engagement and retirement outcomes.