Impact Award

Employer Name:

City of Midland

MERS Programs:

  • Defined Benefit Plan
  • Hybrid Plan
  • Defined Contribution Plan
  • Health Care Savings Program

MERS Resources:

Download this case study (PDF)

Results

  • Employees consistently appreciate the opportunity to learn about retirement plans.
  • Increased engagement from younger employees in early retirement planning.
  • Employees nearing retirement are more knowledgeable and require less assistance.
  • Greater comfort and familiarity with benefit vendors enhances communication and support.

Situation

The City of Midland employs approximately 340 full-time and 100 part-time staff. Employees expressed a desire for more opportunities to connect with colleagues and learn about benefits without work-related stress.

Process

In February 2023, Midland launched three annual employee in-service days, using two of those days—Juneteenth, and Veterans Day— to help employees better understand their benefits. On Juneteenth, they held a picnic with food trucks and vendor booths, which allowed informal engagement. Families were invited, giving an opportunity for others in the family to ask questions and get a better understanding of the benefits. The Veterans Day event featured conference-style breakout sessions. MERS and other benefit vendors participated in both events, offering education and personalized support.

Strategy

  • Hosting in-service days with both informal and formal education formats.
  • Inviting MERS and other benefit vendors to present and interact with employees and their families.
  • Using surveys to gather feedback and continuously improve the experience.
  • Encouraging employees to engage with retirement planning early and often.
  • Addressing different learning styles through dual-format education.

Key Takeaways

  • By offering regular, accessible learning opportunities, Midland empowers its employees to take charge of their financial futures.
  • Employees report increased retirement readiness and comfort in engaging with benefit providers.
  • Retirement-related sessions consistently receive high satisfaction ratings and strong participation.