What is an advantage of contributory defined benefit plans?

The advantage of contributory defined benefit plans lies in the fact that employees can appreciate their retirement benefits more. In a contributory plan, contributions are made by both the employer and the employees. This shared responsibility allows employees to feel a sense of ownership and engagement with their retirement savings. When employees contribute to their retirement benefits, they often develop a greater appreciation for the value of those benefits, understanding that their own financial contributions play a significant role in their future retirement income. This can lead to increased awareness and a more proactive approach to saving for retirement.

In contrast to this, options that suggest characteristics like the employer managing the entire risk or benefits always being guaranteed do not capture the essence of a contributory plan, where the collective contributions foster a collaborative approach to retirement planning. Additionally, the notion that employees have no responsibility for their financial security does not resonate with the purpose of contributory plans, as these plans are designed to involve employees actively in their financial futures.