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Why FedEx Employees 65 and Older Are Still Working Full Time

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In the United States, the demographic landscape of the workforce is undergoing a significant transformation, particularly in the older age brackets. Recent data reveals a notable trend: an increasing number of FedEx individuals over the age of 65, including those in their 70s and beyond, are actively participating in the labor market. This shift is not just a mere statistical anomaly but reflects deeper socio-economic and cultural changes.

The Pew Research Center, a renowned nonpartisan think tank, provides compelling evidence of this trend. Their research indicates that the population of Americans aged 65 and older has grown nearly fourfold in the past 40 years. This growth is not accompanied by a proportional increase in retirement rates. In fact, the opposite is true: the proportion of seniors who continue to work has risen significantly.

In 1987, only 11% of adults aged 65 or older were part of the workforce. Fast forward to 2023, and this figure has climbed to 19%. To put this into context, in the mid-1980s, the number of working older Americans was significantly lower than the 11 million who are employed today.

A particularly striking aspect of this trend is the surge in FedEx employment among those aged 75 and older. In 2023, 9% of Americans in this age group are employed, more than double the percentage from 1987. This is noteworthy considering the average age of great grandparents in the U.S. is around 75, and the average life expectancy is 76. However, it's important to note that workers in this age group tend to earn less than their slightly younger counterparts (ages 65 to 74), averaging about $2 less per hour.

The workforce demographics are also evolving in terms of gender and race. Women now constitute 46% of workers over 65, up 6 percentage points since 1987. Moreover, these women are increasingly educated, with 42% holding a college degree, compared to 12% four decades ago. Regarding racial composition, older white workers now make up 75% of the over-65 workforce, a decrease of 13 percentage points since 1987. In contrast, the representation of Black and Hispanic workers in this age group has increased.

Several factors contribute to why more older Americans are working today. Higher levels of education, changes in retirement policies, and the evolution of more age-friendly occupations play significant roles. For example, the Social Security overhaul in 1983 raised the age for full retirement benefits, encouraging longer work life. Additionally, the shift from pension plans to defined contribution plans like 401(k)s and IRAs has placed more responsibility on individuals to save for retirement, often leading to extended working years.

Older FedEx workers are not just working out of financial necessity. Many find their jobs less stressful and report higher levels of job satisfaction compared to their younger counterparts. This is likely influenced by improvements in health among older individuals and changes in the nature of jobs, which have become less physically demanding since the 1990s.

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The Baby Boomer generation, a significant demographic group, has now largely reached the age of 65 or older, contributing to the large number of Americans currently past traditional retirement age. This trend contrasts with the smaller number of individuals in this age bracket during the 1980s.

In summary, the landscape of the American workforce is changing dramatically, with a significant increase in the number of older individuals choosing to or needing to continue working. This shift reflects broader changes in health, education, retirement policies, and job characteristics, signaling a new era in the dynamics of work and retirement.

A significant trend relevant to FedEx professionals aged 65 and older, particularly those in executive positions or planning retirement, is the increasing appeal of 'phased retirement' programs. According to a 2022 Forbes article, these programs allow seniors to gradually reduce their working hours while maintaining a portion of their income and benefits. This approach is gaining traction among companies, offering a flexible transition into retirement. It benefits employers by retaining experienced talent and eases the adjustment for employees, blending the financial stability of continued employment with the leisure of retirement. This trend is particularly appealing to those who aren't ready for full retirement, either financially or personally.

The trend of FedEx Americans aged 65 and older increasingly participating in the workforce can be likened to a seasoned marathon runner who, instead of slowing down as they approach the traditional finish line, finds a renewed pace and continues running. Just as a marathon runner leverages years of experience and training to maintain stamina and resilience, older workers utilize their wealth of knowledge and skills to remain active in the professional arena. This shift, much like a marathon that extends its course, represents an evolving landscape where retirement is no longer a fixed point but a flexible phase, allowing seasoned professionals to continue contributing their expertise while gradually transitioning to a new life stage.

What are the implications of the Funding Target Attainment Percentage for FedEx Corporation employees, and how does it impact the security of the pension benefits offered by FedEx Corporation? This question seeks to explore the nuances of the funding target attainment percentage as reported in the annual funding notice, examining how this metric not only reflects the financial health of FedEx Corporation's pension plan but also how it affects employee confidence in future benefit payments and retirement planning.

Funding Target Attainment Percentage: The Funding Target Attainment Percentage for FedEx Corporation indicates the degree to which the pension plan is funded. A percentage of 101.33% for 2022 suggests that the plan has sufficient assets to cover its liabilities, providing security for employees' pension benefits. This high percentage likely increases employee confidence in the stability and reliability of their future pension payouts, essential for long-term retirement planning.

How does the merger of the FedEx Freight Pension Plan into the FedEx Corporate Employees’ Pension Plan influence the benefits currently available to FedEx Corporation employees? This question aims to delve into the practical changes that may arise due to this merger, assessing whether it aligns with employee expectations regarding their pension benefits and how the transition process is managed by FedEx Corporation.

Merger of Pension Plans: The merger of the FedEx Freight Pension Plan into the FedEx Corporate Employees’ Pension Plan appears to have been strategically managed to maintain benefit stability. Despite increasing liabilities by 5.3%, the merger was structured to ensure no negative impact on the benefit amounts payable to participants from either plan, preserving the expected pension benefits for all affected FedEx Corporation employees.

In terms of investment strategies, what measures does FedEx Corporation implement to ensure that its pension plan investments align with the long-term liabilities expected to be paid out to retirees? This question encourages an exploration of the investment policies in place, examining the asset allocations and risk management strategies that FedEx Corporation employs to ensure sustainable funding for its pension obligations, which could potentially include detailed analyses of stocks, debts, and alternative investments.

Investment Strategies: FedEx Corporation employs a diversified investment strategy across equities, fixed income, and alternative investments, aiming to meet long-term pension liabilities. This approach, which includes both active management strategies and the limited use of derivatives, is designed to generate returns that exceed market indices, thus ensuring adequate funding of pension obligations.

What options do employees of FedEx Corporation have for accessing their pension plan statements, and how frequently are these statements generated? The focus here is to understand the communication strategies employed by FedEx Corporation regarding pension benefit statements, including technological access points and the importance of these documents for employee financial planning.

Pension Plan Statements: FedEx Corporation provides annual pension plan statements through their Retirement Service Center, available electronically each fall. Employees can access their statements online or request them if notifications are not received, ensuring transparency and aiding in personal financial planning.

How are contributions to the FedEx Corporation Employees’ Pension Plan determined, and what role do excess contributions play in the plan's overall funding strategy? This question aims to educate employees about how the company balances mandatory contribution levels with potential excess contributions, exploring how these factors interact to influence the plan's solvency and employee benefits.

Contributions to the Pension Plan: Contributions to the FedEx Corporation Employees' Pension Plan are calculated to meet at least the minimum legal requirement and potentially include voluntary excess contributions. These excess contributions can help manage the plan's funding level and ensure its solvency, benefiting overall pension security for employees.

What types of benefits are guaranteed under the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) for FedEx Corporation employees, and what limitations exist that employees should be aware of? By focusing on the guaranteed benefits, this question prompts a discussion on the security of specific benefits provided by FedEx Corporation and highlights limitations, allowing employees to understand their rights fully.

PBGC Guarantee: The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation guarantees certain types of benefits for FedEx Corporation employees, such as pension benefits at normal retirement age and most early retirement benefits. However, there are limitations, such as exclusions for benefits without vested rights and recently increased benefits, which employees should be aware of to fully understand their pension security.

In what ways does the FedEx Corporation plan to adjust its pension funding strategy in light of changing federal laws that impact pension obligations? Employees are encouraged to consider how legislative changes influence corporate policies surrounding retirement benefits and the proactive strategies FedEx Corporation might take to remain compliant while ensuring the security of employee pensions.

Adjustments to Funding Strategy: FedEx Corporation is likely to adjust its pension funding strategy in response to legislative changes affecting pension obligations, such as those introduced by recent acts adjusting how pension liabilities are calculated. This proactive approach aims to ensure compliance with new laws while continuing to secure the financial health of the pension plan.

What are the steps that FedEx Corporation employees must take if they are considering retirement, particularly in how to navigate the pension plan and gain access to their benefits? This question aims to provide clarity on the retirement process, ensuring that employees are equipped with the necessary information regarding required documentation, timelines, and points of contact within FedEx Corporation.

Steps for Retirement Planning: Employees considering retirement should contact the FedEx Retirement Service Center to navigate their pension plan benefits. This process involves understanding necessary documentation, timelines, and available support, facilitating a smooth transition into retirement.

How does FedEx Corporation plan to manage potential funding shortfalls in the pension plan, and what mechanisms are in place for notifying plan participants should such an event occur? Employees would need to understand the proactive measures put in place by FedEx Corporation to address funding-related challenges while also knowing what this means for their benefits.

Managing Funding Shortfalls: In the event of potential funding shortfalls, FedEx Corporation has policies in place to manage such situations, including strategic contributions to mitigate shortfalls. The company maintains transparency with plan participants about funding levels and any significant changes affecting the pension plan.

For those seeking more information about their pensions and retirement options, how can FedEx Corporation employees contact relevant departments, and what resources are available for assistance? This question provides an opportunity for employees to familiarize themselves with contact points such as the FedEx Retirement Service Center, emphasizing the importance of open communication channels for addressing inquiries related to their pensions. Feel free to consult the provided document for more in-depth exploration of these topics.

Contacting for Pension Information: FedEx Corporation employees seeking more information about their pensions or retirement options can contact the FedEx Retirement Service Center. This center provides essential resources and support, ensuring employees have access to all necessary information regarding their retirement planning.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
FedEx offers a defined benefit pension plan and a cash balance plan. The cash balance plan grows with interest credits and employer contributions, with a five-year vesting period. Employees can choose between lump-sum payments or monthly annuities.
Operational Restructuring: FedEx plans to streamline its operations and reduce costs by combining its Ground and Express delivery networks. This restructuring is expected to save the company $2 billion by 2025 (Source: Reuters). Layoffs and Buyouts: FedEx has announced voluntary buyouts for certain employees as part of its cost-saving measures (Source: Wall Street Journal). Financial Performance: Despite these changes, FedEx reported strong earnings in the latest quarter, driven by increased shipping volumes and higher rates (Source: FedEx).
In 2022, FedEx enhanced its stock option and RSU programs to include more diverse employee groups, aiming to boost morale and retention. The company faced criticism in 2023 for high executive compensation, prompting adjustments in their compensation strategy by 2024. FedEx now focuses on aligning stock options and RSUs with long-term performance metrics, making it essential to understand these changes in light of the economic and regulatory pressures affecting the logistics industry.
FedEx has taken significant steps to improve its employee healthcare benefits in recent years. In 2022, FedEx launched new healthcare plans designed to provide more comprehensive coverage while keeping costs manageable for employees. These plans included options for high and low deductibles, as well as a variety of wellness programs aimed at promoting overall health and well-being. The company also introduced enhanced mental health resources, recognizing the increasing importance of mental health support in the workplace. In 2023, FedEx continued to enhance its healthcare offerings by introducing personalized care options and expanding preventive health services. The company partnered with local healthcare providers to offer tailored care solutions, particularly focusing on chronic disease management and preventive care. This approach aligns with the broader economic and political environment, which has seen a growing emphasis on employee health as a key factor in business sustainability and productivity. By investing in comprehensive healthcare benefits, FedEx aims to attract and retain top talent, ultimately contributing to the company's long-term success.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for FedEx at 942 south shady grove rd Memphis, TN 38120; or by calling them at 901-818-7500.

retirement.fedex.com/retirementbenefitsquickreferenceguide.pdf - Page 5, retirement.fedex.com/yourpensionroadmapoverview.pdf - Page 12, retirement.fedex.com/questionsandanswers.pdf - Page 15, cache.hacontent.com/informationaboutfedexemployeepensionplan.pdf - Page 8, cache.hacontent.com/summaryofmaterialmodifications.pdf - Page 22, cache.hacontent.com/yourretirementbenefits.pdf - Page 28, retirement.fedex.com/transitionguidetoyournew401kplan.pdf - Page 20, fmrbenefits.com/2024annualenrollmentbenefitsguide.pdf - Page 14, retirement.fedex.com/2022pre65fedexretireehealthplan.pdf - Page 17, optum.com/optumfinancialfedexfaqs.pdf - Page 23

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