We’ve all heard it, many Americans are behind when it comes to saving for retirement, and some fear they may never be fully prepared as other financial stressors take priority.

But what if advisors could help change that trajectory for participants?

Participants who actively engage with their 401(k) plans save more, make smarter investment decisions and gain confidence in their financial future. Advisors can play a crucial role in transforming those who are passive or hesitant about their retirement account into proactive planners.

By integrating practical education, consistent communication, behavioral strategies and comprehensive guidance, advisors can foster higher engagement and boost contributions. Focused engagement not only benefits participants but also positions advisors as essential partners in creating positive retirement outcomes.

Strategies for increasing engagement

For many participants, the plan’s advisor may be the only assistance they receive when planning their financial future.  Advisors can increase engagement by combining education, technology and personalized guidance. Education initiatives should be practical — workshops, webinars or one-on-one consultations tailored to individual goals.

Another great way to help participants engage is by using consistent messaging across multiple channels, such as email, newsletters and virtual Q&A sessions, to ensure participants receive guidance in an accessible way.

Partnering with the right service provider will also help increase engagement. Providers who can offer additional tools such as financial wellness resources, retirement calculators and tools that project retirement outcomes, can share the burden of helping participants understand the importance of retirement savings.

Finally, tracking engagement outcomes such as contribution growth, investment allocations and enrollment rates demonstrates tangible results, reinforcing an advisor’s value to plan sponsors. Connecting retirement strategies with overall financial planning helps provide a more holistic approach to their financial wellness.

Advisors are uniquely positioned to help Americans save for retirement. By leveraging the right tools and strategies, and the right service provider, they can help boost the confidence of many who are worried about falling behind, while increasing both value and trust with plan sponsors.

Empowering participants to engage with their retirement plans starts with you. Take the next step today by partnering with a provider that supports education, communication and smart technology so you can drive stronger outcomes and deeper trust with participants and sponsors. Let’s start the conversation today and explore how the right tools and support can elevate your impact as an advisor.