In June 2020, Aegon released its annual Retirement Readiness Survey. The 2020 survey explores the vital role of employers in helping workers successfully navigate their working lives and prepare for retirement, a role that has become even more crucial and precarious amid the pandemic. The report examines employer-sponsored retirement and other welfare benefits, flexible work arrangements, and workplace wellness programs. It discusses best practices and provides actionable recommendations for empowering workers. Indeed, while employers are a critical catalyst, they must be supported by public policy, and individuals must engage in the programs offered.
The survey findings identify ways employers can support their employees to extend their working lives and financially prepare for retirement:

• Cultivate an age-friendly workplace that recognizes the value and contributions of workers of all ages.
• Provide retirement, health, and welfare benefits — and design them with portability in mind so that workers can maintain them as their employment situation changes.
• Offer retirement planning services and financial advice.
• Promote financial literacy through training, education, or financial wellness programs.
• Encourage health and well-being by offering a workplace wellness program.
• Offer flexible work arrangements to help workers more easily balance their jobs and their personal lives.
• Facilitate lifelong learning to help workers keep their job skills up to date and relevant.

The report is based on findings from the ninth annual global survey of 15 countries spanning the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Australia that was conducted in 2020 at the early stages of the pandemic. It is a collaboration among Aegon Center for Longevity and Retirement and nonprofits Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies and Instituto de Longevidade Mongeral Aegon.