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Americans Look Beyond Savings to Turn Retirement Confidence Into Reality, BlackRock Survey Finds
NEW YORK, June 25, 2026--American workplace savers are more confident about retirement, but many may still be falling short of the savings they need to achieve the retirement they want, according to BlackRock's 2026 Read on Retirement® report. While most employees and employers believe a secure retirement is within reach, BlackRock's analysis points to a significant gap between expectations and projected savings, highlighting the need for new capabilities that can help people save more, invest m
About this update from Blackrock, Inc.
11th annual Read on Retirement ® finds growing demand for guaranteed income, active management, private markets and tailored guidance as participants and plan sponsors seek better retirement outcomes NEW YORK, June 25, 2026 --( BUSINESS WIRE )--American workplace savers are more confident about retirement, but many may still be falling short of the savings they need to achieve the retirement they want, according to BlackRock's 2026 Read on Retirement ® report. While most employees and employers believe a secure retirement is within reach, BlackRock's analysis points to a significant gap between expectations and projected savings, highlighting the need for new capabilities that can help people save more, invest more effectively, and generate income throughout retirement. Nearly seven in 10 workplace savers (68%) say they are on track for retirement, up 16 points since the survey's inception. Employers share that optimism, with 66% believing most employees are on track with their retirement savings. Yet BlackRock's analysis projects workplace retirement balances will support only 50–60% of the retirement income people anticipate those balances will generate. A key challenge is capacity. Workplace savers recognize the gap, but many face practical barriers to closing it. Median contribution rates are at 10%, well below the 15% people say is necessary to retire comfortably. At the same time, more than half say they may need to reduce contributions over the next 12 months, underscoring the challenge of balancing long-term retirement goals with ongoing financial pressures. "Confidence is growing, but for too many Americans, retirement reality won't match retirement expectations," said Jaime Magyera, Head of Retirement and Head of U.S. Wealth Advisory at BlackRock . "Bridging that gap is one of the defining challenges facing our retirement system today. Workers need help making their savings work harder and turning them into reliable income that lasts. That's why workplace plans are evolving to combine professional management, expanded investment access, and guaranteed income solutions." The survey shows growing demand for investment capabilities beyond traditional savings strategies, including guaranteed income, active management and private markets. In addition, more than half of savers are interested in AI-assisted retirement guidance, and digital tools are making tailored engagement more scalable for sponsors. These trends are accelerating the transition from accumulation-focused retirement plans to "personal pensions" – professionally managed solutions that combine growth, retirement income, and active management to improve participant outcomes.