Why Participate in the MarylandSaves Employer Survey?

Q&A with John Scott, director of Pew’s retirement savings project

Why Participate in the MarylandSaves Employer Survey?

The Pew Charitable Trusts’ retirement savings project is conducting a MarylandSaves employer survey, a poll of decision-makers at private sector enterprises that could potentially participate in the MarylandSaves retirement savings program. John Scott, the Pew project director, answers questions about the effort. 

What is MarylandSaves?

MarylandSaves is a new retirement savings program for Maryland workers who do not have a retirement plan at their workplace. MarylandSaves is expected to start operation in late 2019.

What is the MarylandSaves employer survey?

The MarylandSaves employer survey is designed to collect information from businesses about what they see as the potential advantages and challenges of participating in the MarylandSaves retirement savings program.

What sorts of questions are asked?

In addition to general information about the business, such as the industry and the number of employees, the survey seeks to gather information about the employer’s perception of the MarylandSaves program.

How long will the survey take to complete?

For most people, the survey takes about 10 minutes to complete.

How did Pew get my email address?

Our sample was obtained from a list of businesses maintained by the Maryland State Department of Assessment and Taxation (SDAT). Study participants are contacted using the email address on file with SDAT.

Why should I participate?

Pew is studying businesses’ perceptions of MarylandSaves. Your answers can assist in making improvements to the program. In addition, policymakers around the country are considering proposals similar to MarylandSaves aimed at increasing access to retirement plans. It is important for business owners to be part of that discussion. The greater the participation in the study, the more accurate the results will be. If too few people take part, the data will be less reliable. We would like your help to make the survey as accurate as possible.

Is this information confidential?

Yes. We will not report individual names of organizations or employees or any associated addresses or telephone numbers. All the information provided will be combined with other responses and reported only in the aggregate without any personal identifying information.