2021 Trends & Experience in Defined Contribution Plans Changes in the retirement plan landscape Since 1991, Alight Solutions’ Trends & Experience in Defined Contribution Plans has been the premier source for data on the plan provisions in defined contribution (DC) plans. Over the last three decades, as DC plans became the backbone of employer-sponsored retirement plans, employers have been enhancing their plans to help workers build their retirement accounts. See the highlights below and purchase the full report for detailed insights on DC trends. Get over 75 pages of valuable DC benchmarking data and trends. Purchase the full report. Security More workers depend on DC plans than ever before. DC plan is the primary employer-sponsored plan 2021 92% 2001 56% 0 100 Average DC plan participation rate reported by employers 2021 82% 2001 75% 0 100 Stability Employers are encouraging more savings in the plan. 73% of plans have automatic enrollment 78% of plans with automatic enrollment have contribution escalation 61% of plans match dollar-for-dollar, up from 13% in 1991 Growth Plan features help workers grow and preserve their balances. 53% of plans allow for only one loan, up from 37% in 2019 99% of employers rate Managed Accounts as effective 77% of plans now allow for partial distributions, up from 55% in 2011 Get over 75 pages of valuable DC benchmarking data and trends. Purchase the full report