New Research Links Pooled Employer Plans and Higher Plan Satisfaction

According to independent research sponsored by The Standard, employers are more satisfied with their retirement plan after joining a pooled employer plan, also known as a PEP. A 2025 survey showed that 83% of employers expressed satisfaction with their PEP experience, with a 26% increase in satisfaction after joining the PEP. The top two reasons cited for improved PEP satisfaction were ease of plan management and cost savings.

The research also showed a 40% increase in satisfaction with the retirement plan’s advisor after joining a PEP. “PEPs have been in the marketplace for a few years, so the time was right to ask employers about their experience with this solution,” said Steve Chappell, vice president of distribution in Retirement Plans at The Standard. “The independent research team surveyed employers from across industries who use a variety of providers. The results validated our belief — PEPs create value for employers and their advisors above that of standalone plans.”

The Standard has more than 85 years of dedicated experience in retirement plans on a national scale. The company has a long history of designing and administering investment options for a variety of plans — 401(k), profit sharing, money purchase, 403(b), MEP/PEP, 457 and defined benefit. Clients include corporations, government agencies and nonprofit organizations in a wide range of industries. The Standard recently announced that it reached $2 billion in PEP assets under management.

Learn more about the research at https://www.standard.com/brokers-advisors/retirement/retirement-plan-insights/peps-are-win-research-shows.

This research was based on the results of an online survey of 300 employee benefits decision-makers at mid-sized U.S. companies. Survey responses were collected by Burke, Inc., from Jan. 3, 2025, through Jan. 26, 2025, in compliance with the ISO 20252 standard for market, opinion and social research by Burke, Inc.

Burke is the first full-service marketing research firm to achieve ISO 27001 certification awarded through CIRQ, a subsidiary of the Insights Association in collaboration with PECB, the provider of audit and certification services. ISO 27001 is the internationally recognized gold standard for information security.

About The Standard

The Standard is a family of companies dedicated to helping customers achieve financial well-being and peace of mind. In business since 1906, we are a leading provider of financial protection products and services for employers and individuals. Our products include group and individual disability insurance, group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, group dental and group vision insurance, absence management and paid family leave services, retirement plans products and services and annuities for employers and individuals. For more information about The Standard, visit standard.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

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"The results validated our belief — PEPs create value for employers and their advisors above that of standalone plans.”