Strong support for auto-enrolment but knowledge gaps remain
New research commissioned by Zurich has found strong public support for the Government’s upcoming auto-enrolment pension scheme, called ‘My Future Fund’. However, the findings also reveal significant gaps in understanding among workers, both on how auto-enrolment will impact them, as well as what tax reliefs are available from an employer workplace scheme or a private pension1.
Knowledge gap
The survey of 1,000 individuals and 250 businesses across Ireland shows that 88% of workers either don’t know or are unsure how auto-enrolment will impact them and only one in five describe themselves as “very familiar” with the policy.
This suggests a clear need for more accessible information and tools that support decision-making, as auto-enrolment moves closer to launch. Some 70% of workers with a workplace pension, or a private pension, report only occasionally reviewing their workplace pension performance, pointing to a major opportunity to increase financial literacy and confidence over the coming months.
While 82% of employers offer a workplace pension scheme, average employee enrolment is just 42%. This means 58% of employees have not taken up their employer’s offer to contribute to retirement savings.
Auto-enrolment calculator
Zurich’s auto-enrolment calculator, designed to support transparency and personalisation, aims to close this knowledge gap by making side-by-side comparisons easier and more accessible.
Joe Creegan, Head of Corporate Life & Pensions at Zurich Ireland, said: "auto-enrolment is an important step toward improving pension coverage in Ireland and helping more people build long-term financial security. It’s encouraging to see public support for the initiative - but the research also makes clear that a lot more needs to be done to ensure people understand what’s coming and how to navigate their options.
Many workers still feel unsure about what auto-enrolment means for them - especially when it comes to the role of private pensions, tax relief, and employer contributions. Auto-enrolment can complement existing workplace pension schemes and will make a real difference to workers who currently cannot access an employer scheme.”
Auto-enrolment challenges for employers
Employers, too, welcome the intent behind auto-enrolment but many remain concerned about how it will play out in practice. Two-thirds are worried workers won’t fully understand their entitlements. On a practical level, 56% expect auto-enrolment to be an administrative burden, and nearly half anticipate challenges integrating the new scheme into payroll systems.
Employee engagement
Employees who say their employer is proactive about pensions are significantly more engaged, with half regularly checking how their fund is performing. Meanwhile, 80% of workers say clearer, more regular, communication would help them be more active in their retirement planning. Highlighting a clear opportunity for employers to offer thoughtful, proactive communication and drive stronger employee engagement with long-term financial planning.
Joe Creegan added: It is important that people understand the auto-enrolment scheme as well as the pension options already available to them from their employer or from a private pension. Higher employer contribution rates, higher rate tax relief and greater flexibility may be available to them from the pension scheme provided by their employer - we encourage all employees to look at the options available and pick the best option for them.”
Zurich support
Zurich’s research reflects a pivotal moment in Ireland’s pension landscape, where increased clarity, improved tools, and smarter communication will be critical in helping workers and employers alike make confident, informed decisions. With auto-enrolment set to come into effect in 2026, the months ahead represent a crucial window to build clarity and confidence across the system.
Source: 1Zurich Pension Research, 2025.
Sending Response, please wait ...