To advise or not to advise? That is the increasingly difficult question facing HR managers in charge of 401k administration. Most employers understand the benefits of providing employees with generic retirement planning and related investment education. However, many managers in charge of 401k administration are reluctant to offer 401k investment advice to plan participants for fear of being sued for negligent or inappropriate guidance. Another challenge in administering 401k information that could have equally negative consequences is whether or not you are providing your employees with a balanced set of investment opportunities. If your list of options is too small or restricted to your company's stock, you could face problems down the road. The decision of whether to offer investment advice options to employees is complex. HR managers in charge of 401k administration should evaluate their specific situation and seek advice and counsel from their legal advisors with respect to the potential liabilities and/or advantages that might accrue if they offer employees investment advice. Find out More about 401k administration HR.BLR.com is the most complete source for practical human resources advice and plain-English compliance analysis available anywhere. No matter what the HR topic - from HR compliance to 401k administration - you’ll find hands-on help you can count on. The HR Library has more helpful 401k resources like these: Are Employers Satisfied with 401k Managers Why 401k Participants Don't Participate CEO's Might be Liable with 401k Losses