Retail pension provision
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(Non-)utilization of the collectively agreed pension contribution in the retail sector. Individual and structural constellations
In 2001, an employer-financed supplementary benefit for old-age provision was laid down in collective agreements for the retail sector. So far, however, this offer has hardly been taken up by employees. On the one hand, this appears to be a structural problem with regard to the second pillar of old-age provision. On the other hand, it is particularly problematic for employees in the retail sector, as additional pension entitlements from the company and private pillars of old-age provision are particularly important due to the often low wages in this sector in order to cushion the falling level of statutory pension insurance and avoid poverty in old age.
This project therefore focuses on the reasons why large sections of retail employees do not take advantage of this offer. The aim is to work out both the individual behavioral economic factors and the structural constellations of the company environment that contribute to the fact that the existing collectively agreed offer of company pension schemes in the retail sector is not or hardly ever taken up. In addition, instruments, measures and incentives are to be identified that can improve take-up as effective control options.
Methodologically, the study follows a three-stage sequential design. First, initial hypotheses are drawn from the literature on company pension schemes with regard to possible reasons for non-utilization. On this basis, qualitative interviews are conducted with employer representatives, works council members and employees in order to verify the hypotheses derived from the literature and to supplement previously unknown reasons. In a second survey phase, further interviews will be conducted in order to typify the patterns of (non-)utilization. Approximately 35 interviews in 7 to 10 companies are planned for the entire survey. Finally, the findings will be translated into practice-oriented options for action that can help to increase user rates. In addition to the scientific publication activities, the results will also be transferred into practice by means of two transfer workshops.