For an increasing number of firms, 2010 will mark the return of a perk that was sorely missed last year: the retirement plan match. 

According to a recent Fidelity Investments survey, 27% of companies that suspended their 401(k) matches during the worst of the recession have reinstated the match — or plan to by the end of 2010.

And that number almost doubles when it comes to companies with larger 401(k) plans. For example, 44% of companies with over 5,000 participants planned to reinstate the 401(k) match.

Another interesting finding in the study: The speed at which companies are restoring their 401(k) matches is similar to the match reinstatement following the U.S. recession back in 2001 — a downturn that lasted eight months.

Of course, the number of companies that have suspended their 401(k) match is relatively small. Of the 17,000 companies that Fidelity manages, only 8% suspended — or reduced — their 401(k) matches during the recession.

Do these findings seem consistent with what your company is doing? Let us know in the Comments Box below.

Tags: 401(k) match, Fidelity Investments survey, Reinstatement, U.S. recession