Moderator:

- Lori Lucas, CFA, Executive Vice President, Callan Associates

Speakers:

- Lisa Blasdale, Sr. Benefit Manager, Staples Inc.

- Laura Gaynor, VP, Transamerica Retirement Solutions

- Dean Edwards, Senior Manager, Participant Experience, Vanguard

Embracing Technology in DC Plans

Communication Channels by Generation

How Generations Use the Internet

Activity Gen Y Gen XYounger

BoomersOlder

BoomersGo online 95% 86% 81% 76%Email 96% 94% 91% 93%Use search engine 92% 87% 86% 87%Get news 76% 79% 76% 76%Use social network sites 83% 62% 50% 43%Read blogs 43% 34% 27% 25%Send instant messages 66% 52% 35% 30%Get financial information 33% 38% 41% 41%

Source: Pew Research Center

Channels Used for Participant Communication

What media channels do you use to communicate plan changes, information, benefits, etc. to participants?

Source: 2014 Callan DC Survey. Multiple responses were allowed.

Plan sponsors

report that

postal mail and

email are still

their main

communication

channels

Special thanks to our Diamond Sponsor

What technology do you use most in your DC plan?

1. Email

2. Web site/company intranet

3. Social media (Facebook, Twitter)

4. Mobile apps

5. Text messaging

About Staples

• We make it easy to make more happen

– World’s largest office products company

– Invented the office superstore concept

– Second largest internet retailer

– Operating in 25 countries

– 1,800 stores in North America

– We provide every product businesses need to

succeed

The Challenge

• Staples overall 401(k) participation increasing except

for:

– Hourly Paid Retail Associates

– Under the age of 30

• Newly eligible associates postponing enrollment and

giving up free money through company match

• How do we increase engagement?

Staples Game Portal

• Benefits

– Fun, engaging

– Relevant

– Fits busy schedules

– Measured impact (knowledge and confidence)

– For the whole family

Scalable Distribution

Bite Club

• Save for Retirement

– Start early

– Take advantage of employer plans and matched savings programs

• Pay Down Debt

– Pay off high-interest debt and installment debt, like student loans

– Debt compounds quickly making it more difficult to save

• Manage Current Consumption

– Needs versus wants and impact on retirement savings

Retirement Savings Game

Innovative Communications

Scavenger Hunt items include textual

information tips

How Much Should I Save?

Tap Share Enter FB TRS FaceBook

User and pass App Permission

Verification

Key themes shaping investments

Tools to educate and change

Busy participants, complicated lives

Special thanks to our Diamond Sponsor

What technology are you most likely to embrace going forward for your DC plan?

1. Email

2. Web site/company intranet

3. Social media (Facebook, Twitter)

4. Mobile apps

5. Text messaging