KEY POINTS:
Employers will play a key role in the success of Kiwisaver, with working New Zealanders mainly turning to their employer for information on the scheme, a study from Mercer has found.
Mercers Kiwisaver Sentiment Study found that nearly half (48 per cent) of the New Zealand workers surveyed trust their employer will be able to assist in providing information relating to the retirement scheme.
Bernie O'Brien, head of Mercer New Zealand, said employers have a real opportunity to significantly impact the take-up of Kiwisaver by educating their employees about the benefits of investing in the scheme.
Mercer advises that employers can do more than simply provide brochures and pamphlets on KiwiSaver to actively help their employees prepare for their retirement, and in turn, differentiate themselves in the competitive employment market that exists today.
"Implementing initiatives such as allowing employees time off to obtain financial advice, providing access to a financial advisor or financial education to assist with effective investment decisions, as well as reviewing the company's reward systems and structures to ease the process of contribution to KiwiSaver, are methods employers can utilise to really engage with their employees and make KiwiSaver exciting," said O'Brien.
