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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.

2021 Trends & Experience in Defined Contribution Plans

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
2021 Trends & Experience in Defined Contribution Plans

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 

2021 Trends & Experience in Defined Contribution Plans

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

Related Insights


Alight Solutions 401(k) IndexTM: First Quarter 2026 Observations

Retirement plan trading remained steady throughout most of the first quarter of 2026, with a brief increase during March that included three above-normal1 trading days, according to the Alight Solutions 401(k) Index™.

Alight Solutions 401(k) IndexTM: March 2026 Observations

Trading activity picked up in March, with three above-normal1 trading days. Activity leaned heavily toward fixed income, with net inflows concentrated in stable value, money market and bond funds. At the same time, large U.S. equity, international and premixed funds saw the most outflows.

Alight Solutions 401(k) IndexTM: February 2026 Observations

Trading activity remained light in February, with participants making relatively modest moves and favoring fixed income on most trading days, according to the Alight Solutions 401(k) Index™.