While retirement readiness is becoming a bigger priority for employers, many of them are still unsure of how prepared they actually are. In a new survey of 1,000 U.S. small business employers conducted in October 2025, Ubiquity Retirement + Savings found that 94% say offering a retirement plan is important for attracting, retaining, and engaging employees. Yet, only about 30% of employers say they feel completely prepared for evolving requirements tied to SECURE 2.0 and expanding state retirement mandates. Another 14% say they are not sure what steps to take next.
This gap isn’t about motivation. It’s about clarity. And with more state mandates rolling out and SECURE 2.0 changes continuing to take shape, understanding where you stand and what to do next when it comes to retirement planning is more important than ever.
Key Survey Findings
Here is what employers told Ubiquity:
- 94% say offering a retirement plan is important for attracting, retaining, and engaging employees
- Only about 30% feel fully prepared for what is coming next under SECURE 2.0 and state programs
- 14% say they are unsure what they need to do next
- 38% have taken steps in the last 12 months to strengthen benefits, such as higher contributions, expanded eligibility, and improved employee communication
- 62% have not taken steps in the past 12 months
- Looking ahead, 24% plan to expand benefits or eligibility, 17% plan to adopt a new plan, and 24% do not plan to take action
- Only 53% know whether their state requires participation in a state-run IRA or a private plan option, while 47% are unsure
Why Retirement Readiness Still Feels Difficult
If small businesses know retirement benefits matter, why do so many still feel unprepared? It all comes down to friction. For many employers, retirement planning comes with concerns about compliance, costs, limited time, and uncertainty about what is required of them. Add in constantly evolving SECURE 2.0 changes and state-level updates, and it’s easy to see why employers feel stuck.
The good news is this friction is largely avoidable. For employers to get on track towards retirement readiness, it’s less about doing more, and more about having the right structure in place from the start.
What Small Businesses Want Most Is Predictability
A recurring theme in the survey is that small employers want retirement plans to be easier to understand, easier to budget for, and simpler to manage. Because they already have so much on their plates, it’s no surprise that they want to know what the plan will cost upfront, get help with setup, and feel confident they are doing things right from day one. So, predictable costs and reliable support matter as much as the plan features themselves.
This also reflects a broader shift in the market. Small businesses (especially those without dedicated HR or benefits teams) need retirement options that remove the guesswork. When plans are easier to manage and offer more incentives for their efforts (tax credits, flexible investment options, etc.), employers can spend less time worrying and more time focusing on their people and business.
How Small Businesses Can Get Ahead in 2026
Retirement readiness doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you are a small business owner, taking a few proactive steps now can help you avoid uncertainty and last-minute stress later.
- Think of retirement benefits like a retention tool, not just a check box. Benefits play a bigger role in the workplace than many employers realize. Retirement plans show employees you’re investing in their futures as much as the long-term stability of your company.
- Clarify what your state requires. If you are unsure, you are not alone. Nearly half of employers are in the same boat. But verification is a solvable first step, and once you do this, everything else will become easier to understand and plan for.
- Choose a plan built for small business realities. Small businesses need plans that are straightforward with predictable costs, simple setup, and clear guidance. Even more, flat fee pricing helps make budgeting easier and reduces uncertainty.
- Make employee understanding part of the plan. Clear communication and early education should be part of the strategy. This will help your employees get more value from the offering and stay motivated to save more.
Next Steps
The survey data makes one thing clear: Small businesses care deeply about benefits but need support to take that next step. Our full survey takes a deeper look at where employer gaps are, and where simple changes can lead to positive impacts. Be sure to read our full release and use it as a starting point for your 2026 benefits planning and then let our retirement experts help you get on track for a successful financial future.
Methodology
This survey was conducted by Ubiquity Retirement + Savings among 1,000 U.S. small business owners in October 2025, representing a range of industries and company sizes.
