You are on the Fidelity website for Institutional Investors.
Provided by FIAM LLC, a registered investment adviser.
SERIES
2026 Plan Sponsor Attitudes Survey
Supporting plan sponsors by simplifying complexity helps meet their participants' outcome goals. In its 17th year, the Plan Sponsor Attitudes Survey highlights the themes that are redefining how advisors adapt their business strategy to focus on long-term objectives and meet evolving client needs.
2026 Plan Sponsor Attitudes Survey by the numbers
>50% of sponsors
say the pace of change for investment products is speeding up
50% of sponsors
say the evolution of retirement plans is exhausting and causes burnout
44% of sponsors
set goals lower than Fidelity's suggested target
About the survey
The 17th edition of our proprietary study uncovers opportunities with plan sponsors across the nation.
2026 survey
Independent survey conducted by a third-party research firm.
1,311
Responses from wide-range of retirement plan decision-makers.
Recordkeeper agnostic
Responses captured across multiple recordkeepers, not just Fidelity.
$3M in assets
We surveyed plans with at least 25 participants and at least $3 million in assets, from start-ups to plans with more than $250 million in assets.
Emphasis on the role of advisors and consultants
Exploring how plan sponsors work with financial advisors and plan consultants.
Current trends
The survey reveals current trends to help advisors adapt their business strategy to meet current and future client demands.
Get your personalized survey review
Reach out to your Fidelity representative or contact us today to review the insights from our latest Plan Sponsor Attitudes Survey and learn how we can help support your plan design strategy.
Next steps to consider
Fidelity Target Date Strategies
Help meet a range of investor needs with our extensive target date series, backed by Fidelity's deep expertise and resources.
Learn more
Outsourced CIO
Explore outsourced CIO solutions tailored to your needs, powered by Fidelity's deep investment capabilities and proprietary research.
Learn more
Pension investment solutions
Take a tour of Fidelity's pension solutions, all designed to meet plan sponsors' specific goals and needs.
Learn more
Explore our latest research & insights
See how we can help you leverage the right technology and solutions to run your business and deliver exceptional experiences.
Research
Building Financial Futures Presentation
Insight and analysis across the employee benefit and retirement savings industry.
Commentary
SECURE 2.0 Act Guide—Updated 2026
An overview of the provisions, key details, and practical considerations.
Research
Designing a retirement income solution
Fidelity's Managed Cash Flow strategy
Survey summary: Harris Insights and Analytics, an independent market research company, conducted an online survey of 1,311 plan sponsors on behalf of Fidelity. Fidelity Investments was not identified as the survey sponsor. The survey was conducted during the first quarter of 2026. Respondents were identified as the primary person responsible for managing their organization’s 401(k) plan. All plan sponsors confirmed their plans had at least 25 participants and at least $3 million in plan assets. Though the survey is broad in scope, the experiences of the plan sponsors participating in the survey may not be representative of all plan sponsors.
805278.37
DDE5D6C7E2444C31833DA933CF26D70C