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Retirement Participation Declines Amid Rising Contributions, Experts Warn

11/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Dayforce reports that retirement-plan participation among American workers fell from 79.4% in 2021 to 78.7% in 2024.
Meanwhile, average annual contributions rose from $8,370 to $9,488, driven mainly by higher earners.
Participation among workers earning $15,000 to $50,000 declined from 58% to 52.9%, highlighting a growing low-income saving gap.
Experts say employers could boost savings by simplifying access to 401(k) plans and adopting automatic enrollment and contributions.

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Story summary

Dayforce reports that retirement-plan participation among American workers fell from 79.4% in 2021 to 78.7% in 2024.
Meanwhile, average annual contributions rose from $8,370 to $9,488, driven mainly by higher earners.
Participation among workers earning $15,000 to $50,000 declined from 58% to 52.9%, highlighting a growing low-income saving gap.
Experts say employers could boost savings by simplifying access to 401(k) plans and adopting automatic enrollment and contributions.