The Mercer UK Defined Contribution Pension and Workplace Savings Survey, conducted in late 2011, shows significant shifts occurring for defined contribution (DC) pension schemes in the UK. Mercer conducted two surveys. The first includes data from more than 300 companies covering 19 sectors, a million-plus employees and over £14 billion in assets under management. The second survey gives the employee perspective, reflecting responses from some 1,500 UK employees across a range of income, regions, roles and ages. “Our research has shown us that pension schemes remain an integral part of a benefits package in the UK, and are most employees’ preferred method of saving for retirement,” says Paul Macro, UK DC Retirement Consulting Leader at Mercer. “However, continued economic uncertainty, among other factors, is negatively affecting the level of contributions to UK DC plans, raising concerns about the adequacy of the retirement income that will be … Learn more
All in a day’s work (or two)
The base salary of an accounting manager varies from a low of $31,434 to a high of $127,610 (stated in US dollars) across 10 major countries included in Mercer’s Global Pay Summary (GPS). “GPS is a quick reference on pay, covering 50 benchmark positions across 11 job families and 69 countries,” says Mercer analyst Erik Olson. “It supports fast decision making and helps HR professionals … Learn more
401(k) activity takes a positive turn
US employees are feeling more personally accountable for their own financial future, according to key findings from the 2011 Mercer Workplace Survey™. In fact, despite having a largely negative economic outlook, more employees than in past years reported stepping up their retirement planning activity. “Based on the survey’s results, we believe many employees have given up on a broad … Learn more
Tackling talent mobility issues
Mercer’s Talent Mobility Good Practices report, issued in early 2012 with the World Economic Forum, examines the types and intentions of mobility programs around the world. Those surveyed for the report – more than 500 organizations in 45 countries – see mobility as a way to develop and retain key talent, increase diversity, transfer knowledge and foster growth. “Our research uncovered … Learn more
New options for retiree medical coverage
Mercer’s National Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Plans takes an annual look at health plan costs and practices in the US. The survey, completed by more than 2,800 employers in 2011, has tracked trends in retiree medical coverage for more than two decades. In response to opportunities created by health care reform, some employers are now using or considering the use of exchanges to provide … Learn more



