2025
DC Survey: Plan Benchmarking

Sponsors can use the report to compare their plan features and governance with peers’, for self-assessment and self-improvement.

Survey

Survey

Employer Match

Offering an employer matching contribution in defined contribution plans can incentivize employee participation. Match eligibility periods and vesting schedules that favor plan participants can be further incentives and used for employee attraction, depending on plan sponsor goals. The 2025 DC Survey: Plan Benchmarking report shows that 58% of DC plan sponsors tie match eligibility to plan eligibility. Kristi K. Baker, of CSi Advisory Services, says sponsors continue to reduce waiting periods for eligibility to attract employees, but, last year, her firm had several clients modify their vesting schedules to a longer period with the goal of rewarding and encouraging employee tenure. —RM

When Participants Eligible for Match

Immediately once eligible for plan
58%
Eligible participants must wait up to 1 year
20%
Eligible participants must wait 1 year or more
4%
Unsure
18%

When Participants Are 100% Vested

Immediately upon enrollment
29%
1 year or less
3%
2 years
5%
3 years
9%
4 years
3%
5 years
12%
More than 5 years
16%
Unsure
23%

Matching Contributions Vesting Schedule

Cliff – 100% vested at a designated time of service
29%
Graded – Vested in increasing amounts over time
47%
Unsure
24%

2025 PLANSPONSOR DC Survey Plan Benchmarking and Industry Reports

Our 2025 Plan Benchmarking and Industry Reports feature proprietary data collected by PLANSPONSOR in its annual Defined Contribution Survey. The reports highlight various plan design features and outcomes from 6 plan types and 48 industries.

You can leverage the 2025 PLANSPONSOR Reports* to:
  • Build trust with advisers and provide new tools to your staff and network
  • 100+ pages in PDF format
  • Compare plan design with peers and competitors, and improve fiduciary oversight
  • Add value to your clients by posting on your website behind registration

*Subject to usage terms/compliance in licensing agreement.

AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE NOW!

Contact Rob Reif / 212-217-6906 / robert.reif@issmediasolutions.com