Retirement planning can feel like a distant concern when you’re working long hours on a job site. For construction workers, the demands of the trade irregular schedule, seasonal work, and the physical intensity of the job make it easy to put off thinking about financial security down the road. But here’s the reality: without the right education and support, many employees risk entering retirement unprepared.
That’s why employee education is not just a “nice-to-have,” it’s one of the most valuable tools construction companies can provide. By helping workers understand their options, maximize their benefits, and develop consistent saving habits, employers can set their teams up for long-term financial stability and peace of mind.
Why Education Matters for Construction Workers
Unlike employees in some other industries, construction workers often deal with fluctuating income and less consistent access to financial advice. These factors can make retirement planning feel complicated or even unattainable. Without proper education, it’s easy to fall into patterns of under-saving, misunderstanding plan features, or assuming small contributions won’t make an impact.
Clear, accessible retirement education helps break down those barriers. Workers who understand the “why” and “how” behind saving are more likely to participate in their 401(k) plans, stay engaged, and avoid financial hardship later in life. Ultimately, the impact extends beyond retirement readiness, it also improves job satisfaction and retention today.
Delivering Education That Fits the Job Site
The best education programs are designed with construction in mind. That means recognizing that workers don’t have hours to spare or easy access to a desk and computer. Successful strategies include:
- On-site education sessions during company or safety meetings.
- Mobile-friendly tools for quick access to account details or educational resources.
- Bilingual materials so every employee has equal access to the information.
- Short, visual handouts or videos that simplify complex concepts.
Meeting employees where they are (both literally and figuratively) makes education more relevant and more effective.
Helping Employees Maximize Their Benefits
A 401(k) plan can only help employees if they understand it. Too often, workers leave money on the table by not contributing enough to capture an employer match, or they don’t see how small, regular contributions grow significantly over time.
Employers can change this by:
- Offering jargon-free explanations of how plans work.
- Using real-world examples to show the power of compound growth.
- Providing regular reminders to encourage contributions and adjustments.
When employees see how the plan directly benefits them, participation and confidence naturally increase.
Workshops and One-on-One Guidance
Sometimes the most effective education happens in small groups or individual conversations. Workshops allow employees to ask questions, talk through misconceptions, and see live demonstrations of retirement planning tools. One-on-one consultations with an advisor take it a step further, giving employees the chance to address personal concerns, whether they’re about the 401(k) plan or other financial questions on their minds.
This hands-on support is especially valuable for workers who may have limited financial literacy or unique income patterns that make planning feel overwhelming.
Breaking Down Common Barriers
One of the biggest hurdles in retirement planning is perception. Many construction workers assume they can’t afford to save, don’t have enough time to learn about retirement, or think it’s too complicated to manage.
Employers can help break down those misconceptions by:
- Highlighting how small contributions add up over time.
- Sharing easy-to-understand resources like quick guides and mobile tools.
- Reinforcing that retirement planning is not just for later, it’s about building confidence today.
By addressing these barriers directly, companies empower their workforce to take meaningful action.
Success in Action
One construction company client we worked with illustrates the power of education. Before implementing an education program, participation in the retirement plan hovered around 45%. After introducing regular on-site sessions and advisor access, participation climbed to nearly 100%.
The impact was clear: employees not only increased their contributions but also reported higher satisfaction knowing they were on track for the future. That kind of success benefits both employees and employers.
At Twelve Points, we believe retirement education is about more than explaining a plan, it’s about supporting the whole financial wellness of your workforce. That’s why we provide:
- Relevant and timely education sessions designed specifically for construction teams.
- One-on-one access to advisors so employees can ask any financial questions not just retirement plan related.
Our approach ensures your workforce feels informed, supported, and empowered to take control of their financial future.
Laying the Foundation for Retirement Success
Helping your employees plan for retirement is an investment in both their future and your company’s long-term success. With the right education and resources, construction workers can build not just projects, but financial stability that lasts well beyond their working years.
If you’re ready to give your team the tools they need to plan confidently for retirement, contact Twelve Points Retirement Advisors.
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