Women of Fortive: 4 Helpful Retirement Strategies

Preparing for retirement at Fortive can look a little different for women than it does for men. Although stereotypes are changing, women are still more likely to serve as caretakers than men are, meaning they may accumulate less income and benefits due to their time absent from the workforce. Research shows that 31% of women are currently or have been caregivers during their careers. Women who are working also tend to put less money aside for retirement. According to one report, women contribute 30% less to their retirement accounts than men.

These numbers may seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to be a statistic. With a little foresight, you can start taking steps now, which may help you in the long run. Here are three steps to consider that may put Fortive employees ahead of the curve.

Talk about money. Nowadays, discussing money is less taboo than it’s been in the past, and it’s crucial to take control of your financial future. If you’re single, consider writing down your retirement goals and keeping them readily accessible. If you have a partner, make sure you are both on the same page regarding your retirement goals. The more comfortably you can talk about your future, the more confident you may be to make important decisions when they come up.
Be proactive about your retirement after Fortive. Do you have clear, defined goals for what you want your retirement to look like? And do you know where your Fortive retirement accounts stand today? Being proactive with your Fortive retirement accounts allows you to create a goal-oriented roadmap. It may also help to adapt when necessary and continue their journey regardless of things like relationship status or market fluctuations.

Make room for your future in your budget. Adjust your budget to allow for retirement savings, just as you would for a new home or your dream vacation. Like any of your other financial goals, you may find it beneficial to review your retirement goals on a regular basis to make sure you’re on track.

Retirement may look a little different for women, but with the right strategies – and support – you’ll be able to live the retirement you’ve always dreamed of.

Transamerica.com, 2021

GAO.gov, 2021

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Fortive offers a defined benefit pension plan, specifically a cash balance plan, which provides a guaranteed retirement benefit based on a formula that combines elements of both traditional defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans. In a cash balance plan, Fortive credits a participant's account with a set percentage of their annual salary, plus interest, which grows over time. Eligibility typically includes full-time employees who meet certain service or age requirements, although specifics can vary based on employment status and tenure. In recent years, Fortive has adapted its cash balance plan to reflect changes in tax laws and interest rate strategies. For instance, in 2022, the company adjusted its plan interest crediting rates to align with prevailing market conditions and IRS regulations. By 2023 and 2024, Fortive continued to refine these rates to ensure compliance with updated tax laws and to optimize the financial performance of the plan.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, Fortive announced a significant restructuring initiative aimed at streamlining its operations and reducing operational redundancies. This move resulted in layoffs affecting approximately 5% of its workforce across various divisions. The restructuring is part of Fortive's broader strategy to optimize its portfolio and focus on core growth areas. This is critical to follow given the ongoing economic volatility and investment uncertainties, which may impact both job security and company performance.

In 2022, Fortive granted stock options and RSUs to key employees and executives. Stock options were performance-based, and RSUs were part of long-term incentives. (Source: Fortive 2022 Annual Report, p. 49)

Health Insurance: Fortive offers a range of health insurance options including medical, dental, and vision coverage. The company provides comprehensive coverage plans with options for employees to choose from based on their needs. Wellness Programs: Fortive emphasizes wellness through programs that may include health screenings, fitness reimbursements, and mental health resources. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Employees can use FSAs for eligible medical expenses. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Access to confidential counseling services for personal and work-related issues. Company Annual Reports or SEC Filings Benefit Details: Recent reports confirm that Fortive provides competitive health benefits in line with industry standards. They continue to offer robust health insurance packages and wellness programs to support employee well-being. Benefit Trends: There has been a focus on enhancing mental health resources and expanding access to telehealth services.