MINNEAPOLIS — More than 80% of employees said they would take advantage of a financial planning option if their companies cover a portion of it as part of the employee benefits package, according to a new study.

The 2007 Ameriprise Workplace Financial Planning Benefit Decision Study from Ameriprise Financial Inc. showed that 67% of survey respondents said that they would be interested in one-on-one financial planning if their employer offers it and 87% said that the planning benefit would make them feel that their employer recognizes and values their efforts on the job.

Slightly less than one in five reports they have a written, professionally prepared and paid for financial plan, according to the study. Persons who lack a financial plan are more likely to cut back on their saving and investment in company sponsored plans when confronted with increases in out-of-pocket benefit expenses. Of those facing benefit cost increases, 54% without a financial plan said they would reduce their retirement savings compared with 46% of those who have a financial plan.