Employees who invest in their company’s group retirement and savings plans are paying more attention to their investments than ever before, according to a new report from Sun Life Financial Inc.

Although the recent economic downturn had many plan members contacting their plan providers looking for general education and investment advice, members were not moving their money any more than they were a year ago. For the most part, members were holding steady and not making emotional decisions.

Data from Sun Life Financial showed a marked increase in their Customer Care Centre and Plan Member Services website volume in the latter part of 2008 as employees became more focused on their savings. Not surprisingly, plan members in their 50s appeared to be the most engaged in terms of investment inquiries, but they also seemed to be the most comfortable using the web to find their answers. The report found that four times as many members in their 50s visited the Plan Member Services website as those in their 20s.

“While this economic downturn has had an impact on investments, it’s encouraging to see plan members taking a long-term approach and seeking assistance through our call centre and website when it comes to their savings,” says Claude Accum, senior vice president, group retirementsServices, Sun Life Financial Canada.

The report also detailed the economic impact on plan members’ investments. While the downturn has affected the performance of institutional and retail funds alike, many plan members are taking advantage of portfolios that utilize long-established investment mandates and strategies such as balanced or target date funds.

“According to our Unretirement Index, a study conducted last year, working Canadians of all ages are becoming more risk averse and are looking for investments that offer some guarantees. It’s not a surprise that plan sponsors are beginning to embrace the concept of guaranteed target date funds, such as Sun Life’s Milestone Funds,” said Accum.

Sun Life Financial Group Retirement Services serves almost 1 million plan members.

IE