Who's reinstating the 401(k) match — and who will soon?
The latest sign employers are optimistic about the year ahead: the return of the 401(k) match.
According to a recent Fidelity Investments survey, 27% of companies that suspended their 401(k) matches during the worst of the recession have reinstated the match — or plan to by the end of 2010.
And that number almost doubles when it comes to companies with larger 401(k) plans. For example, 44% of companies with over 5,000 participants planned to reinstate the 401(k) match.
Another interesting finding in the study: The speed in which companies are restoring their 401(k) matches is similar to the match reinstatement following the U.S. recession back in 2001 — a recession that lasted eight months.
Of course, the number of companies that have suspended their 401(k) match is relatively small. Of the 17,000 companies that Fidelity manages, only 8% suspended — or reduced — their 401(k) matches during the recession.
Do these findings seem consistent with what your company is doing? Let us know in the Comments Section.
- Share on
Free Training & Resources
White Papers
Provided by UJET
White Papers
Provided by Anaplan
White Papers
Provided by Personify Health
Further Reading
Layoffs, inflation, AI … these are just some of the factors making employees feel more stressed about their jobs and career future. S...
Americans use more healthcare services than any other people. So we pay more as a result — and the cost is going up every year. 2025 ...
On Aug. 7, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order expanding 401(k) plans’ ability to include alternative investments – such as...
Some of your year-end health plan responsibilities have lifted, thanks to eleventh-hour legislation from Congress. Plan sponsors that me...
The IRS has announced updated health savings account (HSA) contribution limits and high-deductible health plan (HDHP) parameters for 2026, ...
401(k) investment plans remain one of the best ways for Americans who are living well into their 70s and 80s to afford retirement. After al...
