'Proactive retirement planning—especially around inflation, health care, and shifting tax policies—can help Intuitive Surgical employees gain clarity and reduce uncertainty in the years leading up to retirement.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
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'To allay long-term financial concerns, Intuitive Surgical employees may benefit from a comprehensive retirement strategy that addresses inflation, health care costs, and tax planning.' – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
In this article we will discuss:
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Key causes of retirement anxiety, including inflation, health care, and taxes.
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Generational differences in money concerns and readiness.
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The value of broad retirement planning approaches.
Retirement Anxiety is On The Rise
Employees across industries, including those at Intuitive Surgical, have long worried about how they will fund retirement. These concerns have grown considerably in today’s economy. Nearly two out of three Americans (64%) said they worry more about outliving their resources than they do about dying, according to the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement’s 2025 Annual Retirement Study. 1
Main Causes of Retirement-Related Worry
The Allianz study lists several key triggers of these fears. Regarding long-term planning, 54% of respondents said inflation was their top worry. Increases in health care costs, housing, and food prices are still undermining people’s purchasing power.
Concerns around Social Security’s future and tax burdens are also high. 43% said they feared Social Security might not offer adequate support. And another 43% named high taxes as a major issue.
Generational Gaps in Money Stress
Gen X—often balancing care for both kids and aging parents—report the highest worry: 70% versus 66% of millennials and 61% of boomers. Among corporate workers, including those at Intuitive Surgical, this dynamic underlines how family obligations can magnify retirement concerns.
The Gap Between Worry and Action
The survey shows a gap between concern and conversation: just 23% of respondents have talked about outliving their assets with a retirement specialist, down from 28% in 2024. 2 That said, Americans are considering several strategies to allay these fears, ranking the following approaches as most helpful:
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41% said cutting current spending to funnel more toward retirement
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44% said increasing retirement contributions
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39% said postponing retirement
- While increasing contributions to retirement accounts could help address these concerns, barriers remain: daily necessities (63%), credit card debt (40%), mortgage or rent (35%) were top reasons people weren’t contributing more.
The Emotional Side of Retirement Anxiety
Retirement fears influence not just finances, but lifestyle, career choices, and family planning. Worries about independence, dignity, and quality of life often accompany fear of running short on funds.
Health care need are often underestimated too, complicating the equation. Medicare covers many basic services, but long‑term care, home assistance, and uncovered treatments can add large bills—adding uncertainty even for high‑income employees.
Broader Retirement Planning Matters
The Allianz findings emphasize planning well beyond just saving. With people living 25 to 30 years post‑work, a solid planning mindset is critical. As Kelly LaVigne, VP at Allianz Life, noted, “Americans areliving longer… your money needs to go farther. A good plan considers 25 to 30 years of retirement, not just the first ten.” 2
Key components often include:
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Income strategies: setting up regular monthly disbursements from assets
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Tax planning: reducing tax burdens on withdrawals
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Health care planning: factoring in Medicare gaps and long‑term care
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Inflation alignment: keeping income responsive to cost increases
Combined, these strategies can help build resilience, confidence, and preparedness even in uncertain times.
In Conclusion
The 2025 Allianz Retirement Study makes it clear: a majority of Americans—and Intuitive Surgical employees among them—see the threat of running out of money as more frightening than death. Rising inflation, health care spending, and uncertainty around Social Security are central drivers. Fewer are taking direct action through planning conversations or boosted contributions.
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Yet there is opportunity. The IRS now permits catch‑up 401(k) contributions of up to $11,250 for those aged 60–63 in 2025—above the standard limit. For many, this is a practical way to fortify resources in those final working years.
A Final Thought
Think of retirement like a long sea voyage. Death may be the storm ahead, but empty savings are the leak that can sink the ship first. According to the Allianz study, 64% of Americans fear that leak more than the storm. For Intuitive Surgical employees, the goal is to build a well-structured plan—with consistent income, planning for health costs, and tax awareness—that can keep the vessel afloat for the long haul.
Sources:
1. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, ' How Americans feel about retirement in 2025 ,' by the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement TM , June 2025.
2. businesswire, ' Americans Are More Worried About Running Out of Money Than Death ,' April 22, 2025.
What type of retirement savings plan does Intuitive Surgical offer to its employees?
Intuitive Surgical offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
Is there a company match for contributions to the 401(k) plan at Intuitive Surgical?
Yes, Intuitive Surgical provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions.
How can I enroll in the 401(k) plan at Intuitive Surgical?
Employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan at Intuitive Surgical by completing the enrollment process through the company’s benefits portal or contacting HR for assistance.
What is the eligibility requirement for participating in Intuitive Surgical's 401(k) plan?
To participate in Intuitive Surgical's 401(k) plan, employees typically need to meet certain eligibility requirements, such as being a full-time employee and completing a specified period of service.
Can I change my contribution amount to the 401(k) plan at Intuitive Surgical?
Yes, employees at Intuitive Surgical can change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.
What investment options are available in Intuitive Surgical's 401(k) plan?
Intuitive Surgical's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.
When can I access my 401(k) funds after leaving Intuitive Surgical?
After leaving Intuitive Surgical, employees can access their 401(k) funds according to the plan's distribution rules, which may include options like rollovers or cash withdrawals.
Does Intuitive Surgical offer financial advice for 401(k) participants?
Yes, Intuitive Surgical may provide access to financial advisors or resources to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) investments.
Are there any fees associated with Intuitive Surgical's 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be fees associated with Intuitive Surgical's 401(k) plan, which can include administrative fees and investment-related fees, as outlined in the plan documents.
How often can I review my 401(k) account at Intuitive Surgical?
Employees can review their 401(k) account at Intuitive Surgical as often as they like, typically through the online benefits portal.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Intuitive Surgical offers a comprehensive 401(k) plan known as the "Intuitive Surgical, Inc. 401(k) Plan." This is a defined contribution plan, meaning that employees can contribute a portion of their salary into the plan, and Intuitive Surgical may also contribute, particularly through profit-sharing based on the company’s earnings. The 401(k) plan allows participants to direct the investment of their accounts, with options including default investments for those who do not make specific selections. This plan was established to help employees save for retirement, and it provides flexibility in how funds can be managed and withdrawn, particularly in situations requiring a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO).
The company also provides life and disability insurance at no cost to the employees and a stock purchase plan, allowing employees to buy Intuitive Surgical stock at a discounted rate. The 401(k) plan is administered by Intuitive Surgical itself, with the headquarters located in Sunnyvale, California.
For years of service and age qualification for the 401(k) plan, the company follows standard practices where employees become eligible to participate upon meeting certain age and service requirements, though specific details on this aspect are typically found in the plan's summary documents.
In 2023 and 2024, Intuitive Surgical has experienced financial restructuring driven by the evolving economic environment. They have not announced large-scale layoffs, but there has been a steady focus on cost optimization (Intuitive Surgical) (Intuitive Surgical). The company has also revised long-term incentive plans and stock-based compensation, including phantom share awards for employees in China. These changes are tied to strategic performance metrics, which could impact the company’s workforce and benefits as it aligns with its financial goals (Intuitive Surgical).
Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) offers stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) through its 2010 Incentive Award Plan. Eligible employees, particularly in leadership and key roles, receive annual grants of stock options and RSUs. In 2022, RSUs with a target value of $1.5 million were granted to senior executives, aligning compensation with company performance. For 2023 and 2024, the company continues to offer RSUs and stock options to incentivize long-term retention, primarily to executives and employees in strategic roles.
Health Insurance and Healthcare Navigation: Intuitive provides comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, including telehealth services. Employees have access to Accolade, a healthcare navigator, which helps them manage medical inquiries and navigate the complexities of the healthcare system (Intuitive Surgical Careers) (Intuitive Surgical Careers).
Mental Health and Emotional Support: Employees and their families can access mental health services through Lyra, which offers 12 free sessions per year. The platform is designed to streamline the process of finding the right therapist based on individual preferences (Intuitive Surgical Careers) (Intuitive Surgical Careers).
Family Planning and Fertility Services: Intuitive offers fertility support through Progyny and Maven, providing in-vitro fertilization (IVF), surrogacy support, and postpartum care. These services include access to a network of fertility specialists and comprehensive pregnancy support (Intuitive Surgical Careers) (Intuitive Surgical Careers).
Cancer and Chronic Disease Support: Employees benefit from specialized support services for cancer and chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity. They have access to second opinions and personalized treatment plans, along with concierge support for navigating complex care (Intuitive Surgical Careers) (Intuitive Surgical Careers).
Other Notable Benefits: Intuitive provides gender-affirming care, virtual physical therapy, weight management programs, and services for caregivers. Employees also receive 8 weeks of paid parental leave, flexible time off, and coverage for surrogacy up to $20,000
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