All Research

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Transamerica Institute and its Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies (TCRS) conduct extensive research exploring attitudes about retirement security and the intersections of health, financial well-being, and longevity across diverse groups of people in all walks of life -- workers, employers, retirees, generations, family caregivers, and the general population in the U.S. Additionally, TCRS collaborates on a global survey of workers and retirees in 15 countries. Below are links to our most recent reports.

Workplace Transformations: Employer Business Practices and Benefit Offerings 

March 2024 | Transamerica Institute

Robotics and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing the business world, but human workers are critically needed. This research report examines employers' workforce management priorities, business practices, and benefit offerings as new technology disrupts the future of work. Based on the 24th Annual Retirement Survey, it provides an analysis by company size across more than 1,800 for-profit U.S. employers and additional comparisons across more than 5,700 workers of for-profit companies.

A Compendium of Demographic Influences on Retirement Security

December 2023 | Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies

The Compendium Report examines demographic disparities across 25+ indicators of retirement readiness across the general population, household income, urbanicity, race and ethnicity including White, Hispanic, Black/African American, and Asian American/Pacific Islanders (AAPI), women and men, and LGBTQ+ status. This research report is based on the 23rd Annual Retirement Survey. 

23 Facts About Women's Retirement Outlook

November 2023 | Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies

Today’s women are better educated and enjoy career opportunities that were unimaginable 50 years ago. Despite this progress, the gender retirement gap persists. Women lag behind men when it comes to saving and planning for retirement. Based on the 23rd Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey, this report illustrates issues how women workers employed by for-profit companies are juggling competing priorities and financially preparing for the future.

Life in Retirement: Pre-Retiree Expectations and Retiree Realities

September 2023 | Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies

Retirees and pre-retirees face longevity risks from declining finances and deteriorating health in older age, as they navigate a turbulent post-pandemic economy. Despite these challenges, they are living happy, purposeful albeit financially vulnerable lives. Based on the 23rd Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey, this report explores their visions of aging and retirement, when and how retirement happens, life in retirement and their financial situation. 

Post-Pandemic Realities: The Retirement Outlook of the Multigenerational Workforce

July 2023 | Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies

Today’s multigenerational workforce is contending with the persisting post-pandemic hangover and hurdles to their future retirement. This research report examines the employment, finances, health and well-being, and retirement planning of Generation Z, Millennials, Generation X, and Baby Boomers. It outlines the shifting retirement landscape and recommendations for workers, employers, and policymakers.

Stepping Into the Future: Employers, Workers, and the Multigenerational Workforce

May 2023 | Transamerica Institute

Employers are adapting to the new future of work to stand out in an evolving workplace landscape. This research report examines employers’ benefit offerings, identifies employees unmet needs, and outlines recommendations for employers such as best practices for the multigenerational workforce and changes to retirement savings plans from the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022. It offers insights by company size based our 2022 survey of more than 1,800 employers of for-profit U.S. companies with one or more employees and it features select comparisons with a survey of more than 5,700 workers in for-profit companies.

Emerging From the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Compendium About U.S. Workers' Retirement Outlook

December 2022 | Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies

The Compendium examines demographic disparities across 35+ indicators of retirement readiness across employment status (full-time and part-time), household income, educational attainment, urbanicity, caregiver status, LGBTQ+ status, and race/ethnicity including White, Black/African American, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islanders (AAPI). It also offers priorities for policymakers for improving retirement security for all Americans. This research report is based on the 22nd Annual Retirement Survey. 

Emerging From the COVID-19 Pandemic: Women's Health, Money, and Retirement Preparations

November 2022 | Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies

Women face a risky retirement outlook due to societal headwinds such as the gender pay gap and time out of the workforce for parenting and caregiving. Based on the 22nd Annual Retirement Survey, this report examines the experiences of women employed by for-profit companies, and the impacts of the pandemic on their health, employment, financial well-being, and retirement preparedness.

Emerging From the COVID-19 Pandemic: Four Generations Prepare for Retirement

October 2022 | Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies

Workers across generations -- Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z -- are envisioning and saving for an active and purposeful retirement amid an uncertain future. Based on the 22nd Annual Retirement Survey, this report focuses on the experiences of employed workers of for-profit companies and the impacts of the pandemic on their health and happiness, employment, financial well-being, and preparations for retirement.

Emerging From the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Employer’s Perspective

 August 2022 | Transamerica Institute

Employers are navigating post-pandemic realities and adapting to the evolving needs of employees. This research report examines the impacts of the pandemic on employers and their current HR-related business practices for a multigenerational workforce, health and welfare benefits, and retirement benefits. It includes an analysis by company size based on our 2021 survey of more than 1,800 for-profit U.S. employers. 

Emerging From the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Retirement Outlook of the Workforce

June 2022 | Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies

The pandemic has precipitated major disruptions to the workforce, resulting in financial setbacks that could have lasting repercussions on workers’ ability to achieve a secure retirement. It also raises an urgent need for strengthening the U.S. retirement system. Based on the 22nd Annual Retirement Survey, this report examines the retirement prospects of workers who are employed by others, self-employed, and unemployed but looking for work.  

The Saver’s Credit: A Tax Credit That Pays to Save for Retirement

April 2022 | Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies

This report provides a historical trend analysis of the Saver's Credit over its 20-year history, and includes research findings from TCRS 22nd Annual Retirement Survey, and recommendations for public policy. This tax credit has proven to be an important incentive for workers to save for retirement. Enhancements to it could enable even more people to benefit from it.

The New Social Contract: Future-Proofing Retirement

December 2021 | Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies

As the global economy begins to rebuild from the damage of the COVID-19 pandemic, retirement systems face an urgent opportunity to forge a new social contract and future-proof retirement for everyone. This 2021 global retirement research report explores the impacts of the pandemic on workers and retirees, outlines how individuals can enhance their retirement security, and examines the roles of government and employers, and provides detailed recommendations. This report is based on the 10th Annual Global Retirement Readiness Survey, which spans 15 countries and was conducted in early 2021 amid the pandemic.

A Compendium of Findings About the Retirement Outlook of U.S. Workers

November 2021 | Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies 

Demographic disparities profoundly affect a worker's ability to save and prepare for a financially secure retirement. This research report offers 35 key indicators of retirement readiness by employment status, work arrangements, urbanicity, household income, race/ethnicity, LGBTQ+ status, and caregiver status. 

Life in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Women's Health, Finances, and Retirement Outlook

October 2021 | Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies 

Despite progress made in recent decades, societal and structural inequalities keep holding women back from achieving retirement security. This research report examines women's financial well-being and health amid the pandemic and their retirement preparations. It also offers recommendations for women, employers, and policymakers.

Living in the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Health, Finances, and Retirement Prospects of Four Generations

August 2021 | Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies

Workers are living through a public health crisis that has disrupted their daily lives from health and family to employment and finances. Yet, workers across four generations are saving for retirement despite pandemic-related financial strain. This research report examines the retirement prospects of Generation Z, Millennials, Generation X, and Baby Boomers. 

Navigating the Pandemic: A Survey of U.S. Employers

June 2021 | Transamerica Institute 

As the worst public health crisis in more than a century, the COVID-19 pandemic has upended the U.S. economy and everyday life. This research report examines the pandemic’s impact on employers, their response, and timely opportunities. It includes an analysis by company size, based on our 20th Annual Retirement Survey of more than 1,900 employers conducted in late 2020. 

The New Social Contract: Young adults reinventing life, work, and retirement

January 2021 | Aegon Center for Longevity and Retirement 

Young adults around the world face unprecedented challenges on their road to retirement. This 2021 global retirement research report examines the perspectives, priorities, and preparations of workers in their twenties, a cohort straddling Millennials and Generation Z. It offers country-specific comparisons and detailed recommendations for young adults, employers, and governments. The report is based on the 9th Annual Global Retirement Readiness Survey, which spans 15 countries and was conducted in early 2020 at the onset of the pandemic.

Retirement Security: A Compendium of Findings About U.S. Workers

December 2020 | Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies 

The Compendium examines the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and offers 25+ indicators of retirement readiness across employment status, urbanicities, LGBTQ status, level of educational attainment, generation, gender, and race/ethnicity. It also offers priorities for policymakers for improving retirement security for all Americans. This research report is based on a surveys conducted in late 2019 and October 2020, as part of our 20th Annual Retirement Survey.

Pre-Pandemic: U.S. Employer Benefits and Business Practices

December 2020 | Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies 

Employers tremendously influence workers' ability to achieve a financially secure retirement. This research report quantifies retirement trends by company size and provides insights into employers' business practices and benefit offerings that enable workers to achieve a financially secure retirement. Based on surveys of employers and workers conducted in late 2019, before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

Women and Retirement: Risks and Realities Amid COVID-19

September 2020 | Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies 

This extensive report presents from finding from surveys conducted in late 2019 and June 2020, as part of our 20th Annual Retirement Survey. Women continue to be at greater risk than men of not achieving a financially secure retirement. This report examines women’s finances before and during the pandemic, and their expectations about retirement, and includes comparisons with men. The report offers actionable recommendations for improving outcomes in women’s long-term retirement preparedness.

Retirees and Retirement Amid COVID-19

September 2020 | Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies 

Retirees were already living a fragile financial picture when the coronavirus pandemic exacerbated risks to their health and financial well-being. This report examines retirees’ financial realities, life and living arrangements, what prompted them to retire, and their preparations during their working years. It is based on the 20th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey conducted in late 2019 and a supplemental survey conducted in June 2020.

The New Social Contract: Age-Friendly Employers

June 2020 | Aegon Center for Longevity and Retirement 

The COVID-19 pandemic is emphasizing the crucial role of employers in helping workers prepare financially for retirement. This 2020 global retirement research report explores the evolving nature of employer-employee relationships, employee benefit offering, age-friendly cultures, and health and wellness workplace programs. It offers country-specific comparisons, case studies, and detailed recommendations. The report is based on the 9th Annual Global Retirement Readiness Survey, which spans 15 countries and was conducted in early 2020 at the onset of the pandemic.

Retirement Security for Women Amid COVID-19

June 2020 | Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies 

This report presents findings from a short survey conducted in April 2020 and examines women’s retirement preparedness amid the coronavirus pandemic, with comparisons to men. This is the 15th year that TCRS has published research showing that women are at a greater risk of not achieving a financially secure retirement compared to men. TCRS aims to raise awareness of the retirement risks that women face and highlight opportunities where women can take greater control of their long-term financial security.

Left Behind: Health Care in Rural America

June 2020 | Transamerica Institute 

Left Behind: Health Care in Rural America report features findings from the 7th Annual Consumer Health Care Survey fielded in August 2019, and illuminates the existing health care disparities affecting rural communities, compared with their suburban and urban counterparts. With the onset of COVID-19, these disparities are further amplified, and this report offers actionable insights for residents, employers, and policy makers to help address the health inequities of rural America.

Retirement Security Amid COVID-19: The Outlook of Three Generations

May 2020 | Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies 

Workers across generations are at risk of not achieving a financially secure retirement — an issue of major concern long before the coronavirus pandemic. Now, the negative economic effects of the pandemic are further threatening retirement savings and security. The financial vulnerabilities among workers across all generations are becoming clear. This report offers recommendations for improving the retirement security of Millennials, Generation X, and Baby Boomers. It is based on surveys conducted in late 2019 and April 2020, as part of our 20th Annual Retirement Survey.

The New Social Contract: Achieving Retirement Equality for Women

February 2020 | Aegon Center for Longevity and Retirement

Despite the significant progress in gender equality, the combination of the gender pay gap and time out of the workforce for parenting and caregiving make it difficult for women to achieve a financially secure retirement. This 2020 global retirement research report highlights the gravity of these challenges and outlines five fundamentals for empowering women to improve their retirement outlook and detailed recommendations for employers and governments. The report is based on the 8th Annual Global Retirement Readiness Survey of 15 countries spanning Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Australia.

A Compendium of Findings About U.S. Workers

December 2019 | Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies 

The Compendium report provides in-depth perspectives on retirement. This extensive report offers 30+ key indicators of retirement readiness, preparations and attitudes among workers by employment status (full-time, part-time), generation, gender, household income, level of education, and race/ethnicity. It is based on our 19th Annual Retirement Survey of workers.

Employer-Based Health Coverage Remains Strong but Affordability Is a Major Concern

December 2019 | Transamerica Institute 

In September 2013, the inaugural national survey of the U.S. General Adult Population and of Employers regarding their respective attitudes toward healthcare. The goals for the survey were to illuminate emerging healthcare trends, promote awareness, and help educate the public. The 7th Annual survey conducted in 2019 reports on the perspectives of U.S. businesses on current and future healthcare offerings, potential policy changes coming out of Washington, D.C., the actions employees were taking related to healthcare, the affordability of health insurance, and perceptions of mental health in the workplace.

Nineteen Facts About Women and Retirement

November 2019 Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies 

In our 14th year publishing research on women and retirement, this report shows that women continue to be at greater risk of not achieving a financially secure retirement compared with men. TCRS aims to raise awareness of the retirement risks that women face and highlight opportunities where women can take greater control of their long-term financial security. This report is based on our 19th Annual Retirement Survey of more than 3,000 women workers in the U.S.

Americans Settle in During Healthcare Uncertainty

October 2019 | Transamerica Institute 

Six years after Health Insurance Exchanges were first launched as a result of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Americans report they are largely satisfied with their healthcare options. Americans Settle in During Healthcare Uncertainty report comes as efforts to repeal and replace the ACA were made (largely unsuccessful) and regulatory changes to the ACA have occurred over recent years. As a result of these changes, consumers have varying degrees of awareness that possible health policy changes may impact their health coverage and healthcare in general.

Employers: The Retirement Security Challenge

October 2019 | Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies 

Employers: The Retirement Security Challenge report examines employer's business practices and benefit offerings that enable people to work, save, and transition into retirement. It offers insights by company size, based on our 19th Annual Retirement Survey of more than 1,800 employers of for-profit companies with five or more employees. 

The Self-Employed: Defying and Redefining Retirement

July 2019 | Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies 

Self-employed workers face unique opportunities and challenges for saving, planning, and preparing for retirement. This report offers valuable insights, based on the 19th Annual Retirement Survey, to assist the retirement preparation process, such as the importance utilizing of tax-advantaged retirement savings opportunities, developing a written retirement strategy, and taking proactive steps to protect one’s ability to work.

The New Social Contract: Empowering Individuals in a Transitioning World

May 2019 | Aegon Center for Longevity and Retirement 

This 2019 global retirement research calls for a collective action for the modernization of retirement systems around the world. The new social contract presents a more holistic model to retirement planning that encourages empowering individuals toward good health and financial security. It contains country comparisons, detailed recommendations, and case studies on topics related to age-friendly communities, choice architecture, mental well-being, and healthy aging. The report is based on the 8th Annual Global Retirement Readiness Survey of 15 countries spanning Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Australia.

Millennials: Digital Natives Disrupting Healthcare

May 2019 | Transamerica Institute 

Millennials: Digital Natives Disrupting Healthcare report illuminates the pressures Millennials face that impact their healthcare decisions, their access to healthcare, their perception of the U.S. healthcare system, and their current state of health. This research report is accompanied by a white paper.

What Is "Retirement"? Three Generations Prepare for Older Age

April 2019 | Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies 

Based on the 19th Annual Retirement survey, this report explores three generations’ visions of aging and what “retirement” personally means to them; their financial preparations, steps toward safeguarding their long-term health and happiness, and work-life balance. It also also provides insights into the vital role of employers in helping workers prepare for older age, such as the value of offering workplace retirement benefits, employee education about the Saver's Credit and catch-up contributions, support for work-life balance and alternative work arrangements, among many other opportunities.

The Unique Retirement Challenges of Workers in Physically Demanding Jobs

March 2019 | Aegon Center for Longevity and Retirement

This 2019 global retirement research report examines the retirement readiness of people who in physically demanding jobs. The strenuous nature of their work put these workers at greater risk of aging out of their occupation before they are financially or mentally ready for retirement. It offers recommendations to help this unique segment of the workforce. The report is based on the 7th Annual Global Retirement Readiness Survey of 16,000 respondents including 4,800 physical workers in 15 countries spanning Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Australia.

A Precarious Existence: How Retirees Are Financially Faring in Retirement

December 2018 |Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies 

Today’s retirees are living a financially precarious existence and facing a savings shortfall. While retirees started their careers decades ago, the retirement landscape and planning-related assumptions have since changed. This report examines retirees’ lives in retirement, financial situation, living arrangements, and plans for long-term care, based on the 19th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey of retirees.

The New Social Contract: A Blueprint for Retirement in the 21st Century

May 2018 | Aegon Center for Longevity and Retirement

This 2018 global retirement research report sets forth a new social contract for retirement, a compelling call-to-action for the modernization of retirement systems around the word. It contains in-depth analysis, country comparisons, detailed recommendations, and case studies on topics related to the sustainability of Brazil's retirement system, global financial literacy, workplace wellness programs, and the business of aging. The report is based on the 7th Annual Global Retirement Readiness Survey of 15 countries spanning Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Australia.

LGBT: Retirement Preparations Amid Social Progress

May 2018 | Aegon Center for Longevity and Retirement

This 2018 global retirement research report is one of the first international surveys examining the retirement preparations and attitudes among the LGBT community. It features a global timeline of LGBT rights, country snapshots, and detailed recommendations for policymakers, employers, and the LGBT community and allies. The report is based on the 6th Annual Global Retirement Readiness Survey of nine countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Successful Retirement - Healthy Aging and Financial Security

June 2017 | Aegon Center for Longevity and Retirement

This 2017 global retirement research report examines the connection between healthy aging and financial security in retirement preparations around the world. It offers in-depth analysis, country comparisons, detailed recommendations, and case studies on topics related to Japan’s aging society, influences of the environment on the aging process, and Brazil’s Urban Development Longevity Index. The report is based on the 6th Annual Global Retirement Readiness Survey of nine countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The Current State of Retirement: Compendium of Findings About American Retirees

April 2016 | Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies

The Compendium examines retirees’ health and wealth across 50+ indicators by age ranges 50-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70+. It provides in-depth perspectives on retirees’ attitudes about life in retirement, time commitments, living arrangements, and personal finances. This research report is based on the 16th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey of retirees.

The Current State of Retirement: Pre-Retiree Expectations and Retiree Realities

December 2015 | Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies

People are living longer than any time in history; however, this gift of longevity challenges long-held beliefs about retirement and raises questions about the future of retirement. This report compares and contrasts the retirement outlook of age 50+ workers with the actual experiences of retirees, based on the 16th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey of retirees and workers.