Insights from Tellco

Why is a pension fund important for SMEs and their employees? 

Throughout their working lives, employees save the largest portion of their wealth in occupational pensions. This accumulated capital plays a crucial role in ensuring financial security in retirement. However, pension schemes vary significantly in structure. Well-structured solutions enable employees to build solid savings. By incorporating flexible plans and additional benefits, they can tailor their pensions to their individual needs. At the same time, attractive pension schemes form a valuable part of an employee’s overall compensation package.

What challenges do SMEs often face when choosing a pension fund? 

Some companies focus primarily on cost, comparing risk and administrative fees. Others prioritise a dynamic investment strategy, where performance takes precedence over mere cost efficiency. Ethical considerations, such as ESG criteria, also play a role in the decision-making process. Security and stability remain key concerns.

SMEs can choose from different pension models within collective or joint foundations: full insurance, semi-autonomous, or autonomous solutions. The decision largely depends on company priorities. Full insurance offers maximum security but tends to be more expensive. Semi-autonomous and autonomous solutions provide greater influence over investment strategies, but companies must also bear the investment risks.

Collective foundations like Tellco offer a balanced combination of security, professional asset management, and administrative relief, with attractive risk and administration costs.

What criteria should SMEs consider when selecting a pension fund? 

For many companies, the security of their employees' pension savings is a top priority, as choosing a pension fund is a long-term decision with significant financial implications. Several key indicators provide insight into a pension fund’s stability: the funding ratio and technical interest rate reflect its financial foundation; the conversion rate determines the pension payout from accumulated savings; and the ratio of retirees to active contributors indicates how well the fund is prepared for future challenges. Demographic trends play a critical role, particularly as the upcoming retirement of the baby boomer generation could impact financial stability.

How does a pension fund influence talent recruitment and retention? 

A pension fund is a crucial component of an employee’s benefits package and a key factor in employer attractiveness. With increasing media attention on retirement planning, its significance continues to grow. Modern pension solutions go beyond legal requirements, providing a competitive edge in attracting and retaining skilled professionals.

What advantages do tailored pension solutions offer SMEs? 

A customised solution is an investment in the future – both for employees and the company. It offers more than just security; it adapts to individual needs and enhances employee satisfaction through flexible benefits and choice.

Tellco provides tailored solutions with its PRO, PULSE, and INDIVIDUA plans, catering to different SME needs – from standardised to highly customised pension schemes. Companies benefit from flexible risk and cost structures as well as secure, return-oriented investment strategies.

Financial planning is also crucial. With Tellco, contributions are due only at the end of the year, giving businesses greater flexibility for other investments. As retirement approaches, employees can decide up until their last working day whether to receive their pension savings as an annuity, a lump sum, or a combination of both. Modern online platforms ensure that all essential information is always accessible and reliable.

Can you provide an example of how an SME has benefited from a Tellco pension solution?? 

Many pension funds apply strict risk selection criteria, disadvantaging certain businesses. Tellco, however, offers flexible and bespoke pension solutions that are tailored to a company’s specific needs.

Tellco considers each company’s structure when determining costs. A practical example is the construction sector: many providers categorise an entire business under a single, often expensive, risk group. Tellco differentiates between roles, ensuring that office staff receive lower risk premiums than manual workers, leading to fairer and more efficient cost structures.

Another advantage is the design of pension plans that comply with sector-specific collective labour agreements, allowing businesses to implement a customised solution while meeting trade union requirements.

How does Tellco support SMEs in finding the right pension solution and ensuring a smooth transition and ongoing support? 

A construction company with physically demanding jobs, a manufacturing firm with seasonal fluctuations, or a family-run engineering consultancy – each SME has unique pension requirements. With its diverse client base and flexible pension plans, Tellco understands the specific protection needs of various industries and business sizes.

Personalised support is highly valued, available in all national languages and English. With a dedicated contact person, both employers and employees receive reliable, ongoing assistance..