BofA Launches Enhanced Workplace Benefits Solutions for Business Owners and Their Employees

Rhea-AI Summary

Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) on Dec 8, 2025 launched an enhanced digital Workplace Benefits platform for small and mid-size business owners and employees. The platform adds a new advised Pooled Employer Plan (PEP), an enhanced Merrill Small Business 401(k) with managed recordkeeping, a Cash Balance Defined Benefit Plan, and financial wellness education. The announcement cites survey data showing 24% of employees recently left or considered leaving due to lacking benefits (up from 15% in 2023) and business-owner intent metrics (52% aim to retain staff; 43% plan to hire; 59% plan to expand).

Positive

• Launched enhanced digital Workplace Benefits platform
• New PEP reduces administrative burden for pooled employers
• Cash Balance plan enables higher contributions and potential tax reduction

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

-0.09%

1 alert

-0.09% News Effect

On the day this news was published, BAC declined 0.09%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Employees citing weak benefits: 24% Similar figure 2023: 15% Owners prioritizing retention: 52% +5 more

8 metrics

Employees citing weak benefits 24% Bank of America 2025 Workplace Benefits Report

Similar figure 2023 15% Employees who left or considered leaving over benefits in 2023

Owners prioritizing retention 52% Business owners hoping to keep same employee count next 12 months

Owners planning to hire 43% Business owners expecting to add employees

Owners planning expansion 59% Business owners planning to expand over next year

Consumer & small business clients Nearly 70 million U.S. clients served by Bank of America

Retail financial centers Approximately 3,600 Bank of America locations in the United States

Verified digital users Approximately 59 million Digital banking users cited in release

Market Reality Check

Price: $51.72 Vol: Volume 34,665,851 is slig...

normal vol

$51.72 Last Close

Volume Volume 34,665,851 is slightly below the 20-day average of 37,832,583 (relative volume 0.92x). normal

Technical Price $54.56 trades above the $46.76 200-day MA and sits 0.48% below the 52-week high.

Peers on Argus

BAC gained 1.01% with large-bank peers also positive (e.g., JPM +2.63%, WFC +2.2...

BAC gained 1.01% with large-bank peers also positive (e.g., JPM +2.63%, WFC +2.26%, HSBC +1.03%), suggesting supportive sector tone though momentum scanners did not flag a broad coordinated move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Dec 08 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 08	Benefits platform launch	Positive	-0.1%	Introduced enhanced Workplace Benefits platform for small and mid-size businesses.
Dec 04	Card promo offer	Positive	+0.1%	Launched FIFA World Cup 2026™ themed cards with bonuses and ticket access.
Dec 02	Macro research outlook	Positive	-0.1%	Forecast stronger‑than‑consensus 2026 economic growth and EPS expansion.
Dec 01	Chicago grant	Positive	-0.1%	Awarded <b>$1 million</b> grant to fund a new teen center in Chicago.
Nov 24	Tampa grants	Positive	+0.7%	Committed <b>$500,000</b> to Tampa Museum of Art and Tampa Theatre projects.

Pattern Detected

Recent corporate, promotional, and philanthropic headlines generally produced modest price moves, with a slight tendency for small divergences between positive news tone and short-term price reaction.

Recent Company History

Over the last few weeks, BAC’s news flow featured product launches, marketing partnerships and philanthropy. On Nov 24, 2025, it announced $500,000 in Tampa cultural grants, and on Dec 1 a $1 million grant for a Chicago teen center. Early December brought an economic outlook from BofA Global Research and a World Cup 2026-themed card offer. Today’s Dec 8, 2025 Workplace Benefits platform launch continues this pattern of business-development and brand-building initiatives with generally modest stock reactions historically.

Regulatory & Risk Context

Active S-3 Shelf

Shelf Active

Active S-3 Shelf Registration 2025-10-01

BAC has an effective S-3 shelf dated 2025-10-01, allowing periodic issuance of debt, preferred and common equity and related instruments; multiple recent 424B2 structured note offerings indicate active use of this program for funding and capital markets activities.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights an expanded Workplace Benefits platform aimed at small and mid-size bus...

Analysis

This announcement highlights an expanded Workplace Benefits platform aimed at small and mid-size businesses, adding a Pooled Employer Plan, enhanced 401(k) options, a cash balance plan, and financial wellness education. Survey data showing 24% of employees reconsidering jobs over benefits and 59% of owners planning to expand ties the offering to retention needs. Investors may watch adoption of these solutions, related fee growth, and how continued capital markets activity under the S-3 shelf supports BAC’s broader strategy.

Key Terms

401(k, ira, pooled employer plan, cash balance defined benefit plan, +4 more

8 terms

401(k financial

"greater access to a suite of retirement plans – including 401(k), IRA and more –"

A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan in the U.S. that lets workers set aside a portion of their paycheck into investments, often with tax advantages and sometimes with matching contributions from the employer. Think of it as an automatic workplace piggy bank for retirement: contributions grow over time and affect an individual’s long-term wealth. For investors, 401(k) plans matter because they channel large, steady amounts of money into the markets and influence household savings and future spending power.

ira financial

"retirement plans – including 401(k), IRA and more – as well as health benefit"

An individual retirement account (IRA) is a savings account designed to help people put aside money for their retirement, often with tax advantages that encourage long-term savings. It matters to investors because it can grow over time, providing financial security later in life, and offers benefits that can reduce current taxes or allow investments to compound more effectively.

pooled employer plan financial

"The new Workplace Benefits Advised Pooled Employer Plan (PEP) enables a group"

A pooled employer plan is a single retirement savings program that allows many unrelated companies to enroll their workers together, sharing record-keeping, regulatory tasks and costs much like neighbors joining one trash collection service instead of each hiring separate pick-up. For investors, pooled plans can lower employers' pension costs and administrative risk, influence employee retention and compensation expenses, and reduce one source of potential liability for companies that affects profitability and valuation.

cash balance defined benefit plan financial

"The new Cash Balance Defined Benefit Plan with Merrill enables business owners"

A cash balance defined benefit plan is a type of employer-run retirement promise that keeps a notional “account” for each worker, where the employer contributes and adds a guaranteed interest credit over time; at retirement the account is paid as a lump sum or converted to income. For investors, it matters because the plan creates a predictable long-term obligation that can require sizable company funding, affecting cash flow, balance-sheet liabilities and future spending priorities.

fdic regulatory

"including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC."

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is a U.S. government agency that protects individual and business bank deposits by insuring accounts up to a set limit, acting like a safety net for savers if a bank fails. It matters to investors because FDIC insurance reduces the chance of sudden losses for depositors, supports confidence in the banking system, and can influence the perceived risk and stock value of banks and financial firms.

sipc regulatory

"Merrill", a dually registered broker-dealer and investment adviser and Member SIPC."

The Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) is a nonprofit organization that helps customers recover cash and securities if a registered brokerage firm fails and assets are missing. Think of it like an insurance backstop for your brokerage account—it can replace missing holdings up to legal limits but does not protect against losses from market movements or bad investment choices.

automated teller machines technical

"with approximately 3,600 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines)"

Automated teller machines are electronic kiosks that let customers withdraw cash, deposit funds, transfer money and check balances without a human teller, using a bank card, PIN or contactless methods. For investors, an ATM network matters because its size, location and uptime affect a bank’s fee income, customer convenience and operating costs—similar to how a chain of storefronts increases reach and sales—so ATMs influence revenue, customer retention and competitive position.

workplace benefits financial

"Through Bank of America Workplace Benefits, business owners can now explore"

Workplace benefits are the non-salary perks and protections an employer provides—examples include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, disability coverage, flexible schedules and wellness programs. They matter to investors because they influence hiring, employee retention, productivity and long-term costs; generous or poorly managed benefits can affect a company’s cash flow, pension or healthcare liabilities and public reputation, much like the extras that make a product more or less appealing to buyers.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Solutions Help Small and Mid-Size Businesses Deliver Additional Benefits While Increasing Simplicity and Accessibility

NEW YORK, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank of America is launching an enhanced digital platform for business owners and their employees, offering greater access to a suite of retirement plans – including 401(k), IRA and more – as well as health benefit solutions and financial wellness resources. Through Bank of America Workplace Benefits, business owners can now explore affordable, easy-to-manage plans and access tools that help enable them to identify the best plan for their businesses and their employees.

"For many businesses, workplace benefits feel out of reach because of perceived costs, or the time required to manage them. To change that, we've reimagined the benefits experience specifically for small and mid-sized business owners," said Lorna Sabbia, Head of Workplace Benefits at Bank of America. "Through a single streamlined digital platform, business owners can now access a range of plans designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind."

Bank of America's expanded suite of benefits solutions offers access experts who can support plan selection, setup and maintenance. This enhanced platform includes:

• Pooled Employer Plan: The new Workplace Benefits Advised Pooled Employer Plan (PEP) enables a group of business owners to form a shared retirement plan, reducing administrative burden. The PEP also offers flexible plan design features, allowing employers to tailor a retirement plan to their unique business goals and employee needs.
• Small Business 401(k): The recently enhanced Merrill Small Business 401(k) offers managed recordkeeping and a modern digital platform that helps simplify enrollment, fund selection and plan management.
• Cash Balance Plans: The new Cash Balance Defined Benefit Plan with Merrill enables business owners and their employees to increase retirement contributions and help reduce taxable income for the business when paired with a 401(k) plan.
• Financial Wellness Education: A suite of educational resources for employees – ranging from retirement income planning to health care costs management – delivered via articles, seminars and one-on-one consultations with experts.

"Business owners need flexible, customizable workplace solutions to support their growth," said Sharon Miller, President of Business Banking at Bank of America. "The enhanced Workplace Benefits platform equips them with tools and resources to help elevate their business – whether it's boosting employee productivity, attracting and retaining top talent or staying competitive in today's market."

Recent insights show workplace benefits are becoming increasingly important to business owners who want to retain top talent. According to the Bank of America 2025 Workplace Benefits Report (PDF), nearly a quarter (24%) of employees today say they recently left or have considered leaving their company because their workplace benefits are lacking, up from 15% in 2023.

Additionally, findings from the Bank of America 2025 Business Owner Report (PDF) reveal that retention is a top priority for business owners. Amid today's competitive labor market, more than half of business owners (52%) are hoping to keep the same number of employees over the next 12 months. The report also found that 43% of business owners plan to hire, while more than half (59%) plan on expanding over the next year.

Bank of America 

Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving nearly 70 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,600 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 59 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.  

For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts. 

Workplace Benefits is the institutional retirement and benefits business of Bank of America Corporation ("BofA Corp.") operating under the name "Bank of America." Investment advisory and brokerage services are provided by wholly owned non-bank affiliates of BofA Corp., including Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as "MLPF&S" or "Merrill"), a dually registered broker-dealer and investment adviser and Member SIPC. Banking activities may be performed by wholly owned banking affiliates of BofA Corp., including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC.

Are Not FDIC Insured

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

May Lose Value

© 2025 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

Reporters may contact
Anu Ahluwalia, Bank of America
Phone: 1.646.855.3375 
anu.ahluwalia@bofa.com

Susan Atran, Bank of America
Phone: 1.646.743.0791
susan.atran@bofa.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bofa-launches-enhanced-workplace-benefits-solutions-for-business-owners-and-their-employees-302635386.html

SOURCE Bank of America Corporation

FAQ

What did Bank of America announce on Dec 8, 2025 about workplace benefits for BAC shareholders?

Bank of America announced an enhanced digital Workplace Benefits platform adding a PEP, enhanced Merrill Small Business 401(k), Cash Balance plan, and financial wellness tools.

How does the new Pooled Employer Plan (PEP) from Bank of America (BAC) help small businesses?

The advised PEP lets multiple employers share a retirement plan to reduce administrative burden and offer flexible plan design features.

What specific retirement options did Bank of America add on Dec 8, 2025?

Additions include an advised Pooled Employer Plan, enhanced Merrill Small Business 401(k), and a Cash Balance Defined Benefit Plan.

What employee retention data did Bank of America cite in the Dec 8, 2025 release?

Survey data cited 24% of employees recently left or considered leaving due to lacking benefits, up from 15% in 2023.

How might the Cash Balance plan affect a business's taxes according to the announcement?

The Cash Balance Defined Benefit Plan with Merrill can increase retirement contributions and may help reduce taxable income when paired with a 401(k).

Where can BAC clients access the new Workplace Benefits tools and resources?

Business owners can access the enhanced platform digitally via Bank of America's Workplace Benefits offering and speak with access experts for plan setup and maintenance.