Podcast Center
Video Center
Webcasts
Resource Center
Events
April 28, 2015 at 11:21 AM
Today’s diverse population underscores the importance of personalized, relevant retirement plan communication and education for employers and their unique workforces. Taking a holistic view of an employee base and uncovering how different demographics influence the retirement planning process can help plan sponsors connect with savers in meaningful ways, and motivate these populations to take actions that can help lead to better retirement outcomes.
One important and growing population among today’s savers is Latino-Americans. Between now and 2020, this population is expected to expand to 66.3 million and account for 53 percent of population growth in America. During this time, Latino-American buying power, currently at 1.3 trillion annually, is expected to triple.
To help Latino-Americans achieve retirement readiness, plan sponsors must first understand the identity of this diverse population, including their attitudes toward retirement, family and the future, and what these factors may reveal about opportunities to increase their retirement plan engagement.
A recent Lincoln Financial Group study of Latino-American plan participants offers insights on how Latino-Americans take action and engage in their employer-sponsored retirement plans. The study provides a deeper look at Latino-American attitudes toward retirement and saving, and what these factors reveal about their retirement plan engagement.
Understanding a diverse culture
The Latino-American population is tremendously diverse and can vary by birthplace (within or outside of the U. S.) years spent in the U.S. and acculturation level, among other factors. Variations among this demographic can impact plan structure and implementation.
Language and generational attributes are a key part of the Latino-American story. While more than half (59 percent) of Latino-American plan participants indicate they speak Spanish regularly, approximately 76 percent were born in the United States. Generation X and millennials make up 75 percent of Latino-Americans and Mexican-Americans form the largest subgroup.
Despite differences in age, ethnicity and birthplace, Latino-Americans embrace a common identity based on shared values that can inform the ways plan sponsors communicate about saving for retirement. Foundational values include family, heritage, responsibility and authenticity; and emerging values include freedom, simplicity, self-actualization and confidence, among others. Embracing these values and the diversity among Latino-American plan participants is critical for organizations as they establish trust among this thriving population.
Take these steps for plan success
As plan sponsors structure retirement plan programs for a diverse workforce, they should evaluate and take steps to ensure their plan various demographic groups — including Latino-Americans. After all, retirement plans are not one size fits all. Considering employees’ individual savings mindsets and behaviors, especially as they relate to savings patterns and ethnic background, is critical for a successful retirement plan program.
Here are several steps plan sponsors should consider to help Latino-American savers boost their retirement readiness:
Step 1: Create a cultural dialogue
Latino-Americans are not a monolithic group. Engaging these employees in a sincere, ongoing discussion of their needs will help build trust and contribute to the success of plan engagement efforts.
Country of origin, gender and generation are all important characteristics that can impact the retirement savings behaviors, attitudes and decision-making styles of a plan participant. Looking more closely at employee demographics like these can help plan sponsors better understand their Latino-American employee population and use these insights to incorporate cultural undertones in messaging, provide relevant hypothetical examples and be mindful of using imagery that represents the broad diversity of Latino-Americans.
Step 2: Understand diverse retirement visions
Data shows that many Latino-American plan participants report a more optimistic view of their retirement readiness and ability to face financial challenges, despite savings rates that appear to mirror the general population. This marked optimism may stem from a vision of sharing resources and responsibilities in retirement with their closely woven family unit.
Offering materials, seminars and one-on-one support on topics such as income needs in retirement, saving to leave a financial legacy, and balancing short-term and long-term savings goals are strong tools to help this dynamic population take charge of their retirement savings, remain optimistic and envision their future contributions to the family’s well-being.
