In November 2019 Motivaction conducted an online survey on certainty and risks regarding retirement. 921 active members (18%), 758 former members (15%) and 1,633 pensioners (31%) with PDN took part in the survey.
The response to this survey was high compared with surveys at other pension funds. We want to extend a big thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the survey. The results of the study will be used to draw up the new pension contract and as preparation for the pension agreement.
We are pleased to share some of the survey's results and conclusions:
Impression of and relationship with PDN
- This survey, too, shows that confidence in and satisfaction with PDN are high. Members give an average score of 7.3, former members 7.0, and pensioners 7.8.
- Members and pensioners are positive about the information they receive from PDN, resulting in a score of 7.6 and 8.0 respectively. The former members give an average rating of 7.3.
- The members recognize the benefits of a collective pension through the employer. Solidarity is important.
- Members and pensions see little merit in an individual pension.
- Confidence are affected by misconceptions and concerns about pension. Misconceptions like (I pay a contribution for the people who have already retired) and concerns (will there still be enough people to pay my pension, will I get my contribution back?). But also by discussions about the state pension, actuarial interest, the pension system, and cuts.
Pension ambition and risk appetite
- High confidence in and rating of PDN lead to a relatively higher risk appetite.
- Risk appetite has risen slightly compared to 2013. This results in an average to relatively higher risk appetite.
- It is precisely these misconceptions and concerns that lead to people – especially young people – preferring the safe option.
- Pensioners and members opt for a pension that grows with wage and price increases rather than a pension that does not. They regard it as important that pension benefits do not fluctuate too much during economic downturns. That jeopardizes the wish continue to maintain their current lifestyle.
- When it comes to the development of their pension over a period of ten years, we see pensioners opting for an average benefit and an average risk.
Pension contribution
Two-thirds of active members are prepared to pay a higher pension contribution if necessary to maintain pension accrual at the current low interest rate. This is true of less than half of young people.
Solidarity
Solidarity in bearing the costs resulting from rising life expectancy is widely supported. There is broad support for the collective accrual of pension rights or collectively bearing the investment and longevity risk in particular. A relatively small group regards an individual pension pot as the way to greater confidence in the pension.
Socially Responsible Investing (SRI)
- There is considerable support for SRI, but at the same time it is unclear what PDN is doing about it and its implications for people's own pensions.
- This leads to hesitance on the part of those surveyed and thus underlines the point that SRI should not cost any money.