73% want retirement decision-making made simpler with 91% looking for in-plan guaranteed income options
NEW YORK, July 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- J.P. Morgan Asset Management today released its 2026 Defined Contribution (DC) Plan Participant Survey Findings, providing insights into how participants engage with their retirement plans across life stages given ongoing economic uncertainty. The findings highlight growing expectations, especially among younger generations, for more guidance and support in navigating retirement planning decisions, along with continued interest in ways to strengthen plan experiences and retirement outcomes over time. Published every other year, the survey is designed to provide financial professionals with a deeper understanding of how participants view their retirement plans and overall financial picture.
"This ongoing research is important for retirement planning conversations because it captures direct feedback from participants at every stage of the retirement journey," said Alyson Frost, Head of Retirement Insights at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. "Workplace plans matter to participants, and many still do not feel confident making the right decision on their own. They want retirement decision-making made simpler, and they welcome support from their plans in turning savings into retirement income."
New this year:
Retired participants. Retired DC plan participants were surveyed to understand how they navigated their transitions into retirement and whether they wish they had done anything differently during their saving years. The largest share of participants (44%) expects to retire gradually by reducing how much they work over time, but only 12% of retirees report this as their actual transition experience.
Social Security trends. The findings compare participant expectations for Social Security's role in covering retirement expenses and when they plan to claim benefits versus retirees' lived experiences. Only 35% believe their Social Security benefits will be enough to cover routine retirement expenses, steadily declining as participants move closer to retirement.
Generational insights. The survey goes further than ever before in exploring generational differences in participant behaviors and what they want from their employer plans. 61% of Boomer respondents think their employer has a great deal or some responsibility to help them save for retirement, compared to 86% of Gen Z respondents.
Key insights from this year's research include: