IBM, once a leader in the shift away from defined-benefit plans to defined-contribution plans in the United States beginning in 1984, is now heading in a new direction with its retirement savings benefit for employees. Many industry observers wonder if other employers will follow IBM's lead this time.

IBM notified employees earlier this month that it will suspend its 401(k) match and 1 percent automatic contribution, as of January 1, and will instead make a monthly account credit toward a new "retirement benefit account" (RBA). The new plan will also provide a one-time salary increase to offset the difference between the current company contribution and the new account credit amount.