Superannuation is a key part of your employee value proposition (EVP) and may assist with talent attraction and retention of great staff; yet selecting a single default super fund that suits an entire workforce can be challenging.
Employers often need to balance:
- whether an industry award or enterprise agreement applies
- how different roles and employee groups are structured within an organisation
- the nature of the work performed across different parts of the business.
For organisations with a diverse workforce, a one-size-fits-all approach to default super may not always be the most practical way to structure default super across all employee groups.
Did you know you can have more than one default super fund?
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) recognises that employers may need to use multiple default superannuation funds across their workforce.1
This may be relevant for businesses employing clearly distinct employee groups. For example:
- An engineering and infrastructure company commonly employs blue collar trade and technical workers who are involved in the construction and operations of infrastructure projects. They work alongside white-collar professionals who plan, design and manage major engineering projects and can include roles such as CAD specialists, procurement experts and sales professionals.
- A Fast-Moving-Consumer-Goods (FMCG) business, such as a national supermarket chain, may employ large numbers of store-based employees involved in moving stock, stacking shelves and operating stores, while also employing a substantial head office workforce of corporate and professional staff.
These are just a few examples of different organisational structures — the list of industry and workforce comparisons is virtually endless.
How does it work?
While employers can nominate multiple default super funds across their workforce, each employee can only be offered one default fund during onboarding.
In practice, this means:
- one default fund may apply to a particular employee group or award
- another default fund may apply to a different cohort within the same organisation.
Employees still retain the right to choose their own super fund, regardless of the default fund that applies to them.
Strengthening your EVP with the right super partner
Taking a multi-fund default approach can allow employers to better align default superannuation arrangements with the way their workforce is organised — and strengthen their EVP in a practical, compliant way.
At UniSuper, we pride ourselves on supporting professional workers and their goals for retirement, with a strong focus on long term performance2, quality investment options and a highly rated digital experience. We welcome the opportunity to partner with employers as one of their default superannuation funds, helping you support your workforce with confidence.
Partner with UniSuper
If you’re reviewing your default super arrangements or considering whether a multi-fund approach may be appropriate for your organisation, get in touch.
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Things you need to know
1Australian Taxation Office, Select your default super fund, https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/super-for-employers/setting-up-super-for-your-business/select-your-default-super-fund accessed on 16 February 2026.
2Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.
Important information
When reviewing default super arrangements, employers should be mindful of how they communicate with employees about super. ASIC’s Information Sheet 89 (INFO 89) provides guidance on what employers can and cannot say when discussing superannuation with employees.The information is of a general nature and doesn’t consider your personal circumstances. Before making decisions, you should consider whether the information is appropriate for your circumstances otherwise seek financial advice.
Consider UniSuper’s PDS and TMD on its website and your circumstances before making decisions, because we haven’t.
Issued by UniSuper Limited ABN 54 006 027 121 the trustee of the fund UniSuper ABN 91 385 943 850.