Cooperatives provide their employees with retirement benefits in addition to business services. A co-op retirement plan, similar to 401(k), offers members a monthly pension when it’s time for them to retire, with its amount determined by both years served and average wage rate over that time period.
Cooperatives often provide retirement benefits, as well as employee discounts for products and services. Such programs can be especially helpful to employees involved with the business on an ongoing basis while saving the company money over time. In addition to cost savings, discount programs help build positive customer perception of the cooperative business.
The Co-op Retirement Plan is a deferred compensation plan tailored to meeting the retirement needs of employees at participating member electric cooperatives. With various investment options tailored specifically to individual member’s goals and retirement needs, this Plan offers its members access to stocks, bonds, mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Furthermore, Lifecycle Funds may also be considered fixed income products in this deferred compensation plan.
NRECA’s Co-op 401(k) Plan is the premier retirement plan for member-owned utilities and their employees, designed to be fee-transparent while offering world-class investment guidance and personal service. Furthermore, due to economies of scale created by large numbers of participants joining this plan, its costs remain manageable and cost effective for all concerned.
One of the key advantages of a cooperative retirement plan is its portability; you don’t lose any benefits earned with previous employers should your career progress within that cooperative.
With the exception of government plans, contributions made by participants in cooperative retirement plans are not protected against claims by general creditors should the cooperative experience financial distress; consequently, assets in these plans may not be as safe as funds in traditional qualified plans.
Most cooperatives provide employees with retirement plans; however, not all do. Establishing one can attract top talent, improve employee retention rates and boost customer satisfaction – so taking the time to identify an optimal retirement plan solution for your cooperative could make all the difference in an increasingly competitive hiring market.
At first, it is useful to examine what benefits your competitors are providing their employees and then tailor those offerings specifically to the operation you run. NRECA welcomes suggestions from participating co-ops on how best to provide retirement plans and other benefits packages; reach out today if you want more information about how we can assist!