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Unlock the Full Potential of Your Retirement Plan: Why a Plan Review is a Strategic Advantage

September 22, 2025

Contributors: Basam M. Malik, C(k)P®, CPFA®, Steven M. Gibson, CFA

When was the last time your organization took a fresh look at its retirement plan? For many HR professionals and plan sponsors, it’s been a while — and that’s a missed opportunity. A well-run retirement plan isn’t just about avoiding compliance issues; it’s a powerful tool for attracting talent, retaining employees, and supporting long-term financial wellness. 

A New Era of Retirement Plan Strategy

With recent regulatory updates like the SECURE Act 2.0, retirement plans have evolved. Features like automatic enrollment, enhanced catch-up contributions, and new disclosure requirements offer exciting opportunities to improve plan performance and participant outcomes — if managed proactively. 

Rather than viewing compliance as a burden, forward-thinking organizations are using plan reviews to: 

  • Optimize plan design
  • Ensure cost-efficiency
  • Enhance participant engagement
  • Strengthen fiduciary oversight

Five Key Areas to Review for Maximum Impact 

Our analysis of hundreds of retirement plans has revealed five areas where a thoughtful review can make a meaningful difference: 

1. Fee Transparency and Benchmarking 

  • Are you getting the best value for your plan services? 
  • Benchmarking fees ensures you’re not overpaying and helps fulfill fiduciary responsibilities under ERISA. 

2. Investment Menu Strategy

  • Is your investment lineup aligned with participant needs and risk profiles? 
  • A well-documented process guided by an Investment Policy Statement (IPS) helps ensure diversification and performance. 

3. Plan Design Alignment  

  • Does your plan reflect your workforce demographics and business goals? 
  • Features like auto-enrollment, matching formulas, and loan provisions should be tailored to support both compliance and employee outcomes. 

4. Participant Engagement 

  • Are employees actively participating and saving enough? 
  • Improving education and communication can boost participation rates and retirement readiness. 

5. Administrative Processes

  • Are your day-to-day operations consistent and well-documented? 
  • Reviewing procedures for loans, distributions, and eligibility helps ensure smooth operations and regulatory alignment. 

The Strategic Benefits of a Healthy Retirement Plan 

A well-managed retirement plan delivers more than just compliance — it creates real business value. 

  • Talent Attraction: 93% of employees consider retirement benefits when evaluating job offers. 
  • Retention: Organizations with strong benefits packages often see lower turnover. 
  • Productivity: Financially secure employees are more focused, engaged, and satisfied. 

A Proactive Approach to Plan Optimization 

Conducting a retirement plan review is a smart, proactive step. It helps you: 

  • Identify cost-saving opportunities 
  • Improve participant outcomes 
  • Strengthen fiduciary governance 
  • Stay ahead of regulatory changes 

Ready to Elevate Your Plan? 

Our team of retirement plan specialists can help you assess your plan’s health across key areas — compliance, cost, design, and engagement. You’ll receive actionable insights to enhance your plan’s performance and support your employees’ financial futures. 

Let’s turn your retirement plan into a strategic asset. Schedule your Plan Health Review today: https://lp.rehmann.com/retirement-review  

Securities offered through Rehmann Financial Network, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Rehmann Wealth, a Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance services offered through Rehmann Insurance Group. HLB is not affiliated with Rehmann Financial Network, LLC, or Rehmann Wealth.