The Hottest Topics in Retirement Wellbeing for 2025

As only a quarter of plan sponsors today offer defined benefit (DB) pension plans, most workers depend on their employer to offer retirement savings vehicles. This means that retirement accounts like 401(k)s are even more important in providing financial and retirement security for employees down the line.

Current retirement legislation, like SECURE 2.0, has also proven critical for those wanting to either expand on contributions or even withdraw from their accounts—both impacting long-term savings. With select provisions not available until 2027, its likely plan sponsors will continue to evolve their retirement plans in the years ahead.

Financial wellness is another leading trend in the new year. Employees are increasingly focusing on short-term savings, budgeting and debt, and are taking an interest in growing long-term savings through lifetime income.

Alight’s latest study on hot topics in retirement analyzes these themes, along with other leading trends, within defined contribution (DC) retirement plans. It also features responses from over 120 employers with nearly four million workers.

See the next pages for Alight’s top three leading themes in retirement for 2025.

Next: Financial wellness products see significant growth