Employees Kept Hands off 401(k) in Downturn

Fred Schneyer

October 02, 2009 — Despite the ongoing economic turmoil, a poll taken for National Payroll Week found that the majority of those polled have not disturbed their 401(k) deferrals since September 2008. —

The American Payroll Association survey found that 60.9% of respondents did not make 401(k) deferral changes since September 2008, while 19.4% cut back their savings and 19.3% boosted their deferrals.

Of those boosting their savings, 85% raised their deferrals by 5% or less, while another 11.2% increased it between 6% and 10%. Of those lowering their deferrals, 82.3% dropped the figure by 5% or below and 11.5% between 6% and 10%.

The poll found deferrals of 11% to 15% (8.5%), 6% to 10% (39%), and 1% to 5% (47%). Among respondents whose employers offer a 401(K) or other defined contribution plan, 81.8% participate.

Sixty-eight percent of respondents’ employers offer a 401(k) (or other DC plan) and 25% offer a defined benefit program.

The “Getting Paid In America” survey polled nearly 40,000.

The results are available here.