Dutch pension funds are communicating with members “more intensively, interactively and personally” in the run-up to their transition, according to Dutch Federation of Pension Funds (Pensioenfederatie) chair, Ger Jaarsma.

His comments follow the publication of a report by Pensioenfederatie, which summarises the methods being used by pension funds.

The report, Dialogue and Communication about the transition, which features input from 103 pension funds, representing 96 per cent of Dutch pension fund participants, has been presented to the Minister of Social Affairs and Employment, Mariëlle Paul, and builds on a similar report undertaken in the summer.

Jaarsma explained that in addition to mandatory communication, pension funds are using a wide range of tools to communicate about the transition.

“For example, almost all pension funds have set up a special section on their websites with information about the transition and what it means for specific groups of participants.

“These often include infographics and videos for participants who want to know what will change with regard to their pension. Online and live dialogues and meetings are also being organised about the transition. The report contains some excellent practical examples of this," he said.

Compared to the summer report, the federation found that pension funds are communicating more frequently and more personally in the run-up to the switch. In addition to meetings and webinars, pension funds have amended their letters to reflect the switch or have sent additional letters about it.

In addition, many pension funds are utilising additional written communication tools, such as magazines, news reports, or contributions to publications by other parties, the report found.

The majority of pension funds are attempting to reach their members via their employers, for example, through intranets, information meetings, brochures and flyers.

Some pension funds have offered affiliated employers a ‘toolkit’ for this purpose via their websites.

Pensioenfederatie believes the increase is due to the fact that the transition date is approaching for several funds.

Furthermore, the report showed that almost all pension funds have mapped out the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and behaviour of their participants in relation to the transition.

For example, they have undertaken research into the characteristics and preferences of their participants through panels, and analysed responses from participants received by telephone, email, chat or website.

They have also analysed responses on the internet, for example via online polls or feedback questions. Some funds have also engaged in dialogue via social media or have organised ‘mini publics’.

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