And overall, the results suggest that companies are feeling an increased sense of responsibility toward the financial future of their employees, in the view of researchers. The study showed that 59% of employers feel that greater sense of responsibility in terms of helping employees meet their financial goals, for example, while 53% feel that responsibility includes providing financial benefit plans and access to financial education and advice, together.

Since the beginning of the recession began, 47% of employers have seen an increase in how often prospective employees ask about the company' financial benefit plans. Plus, "behavioral shifts" related to retirement plans have been noticed, according to the report, signified by 58% of employers describing pre-retirement employee as more active and hands-on, and 36% saying that younger employees are enrolling in financial benefit plans earlier. The study found 26% of employees contributing enough to receive the full company match at an earlier age, in the view of respondents, while 19% see employees maxing out contributions at an earlier age.

Worries about Social Security, and the movement away from traditional pension plans by employers, have led workers to become more dependent on 401(k)s and other defined contribution plans. And 75% of employers, assuming that the trend continues, expect that more employees will enroll in 401(k) plans or increase their contribution rates, according to the study. Also, 79% of employers also anticipate increased demand for access to 401(k) saving and investment advice, with 85% saying that older employees will work longer to extend their benefits.

BofA Merrill had Market Strategies International, which isn't one of its affiliates, conduct an online survey between April 19 and April 23, producing the results of the workplace study.