Get support from co-workers
Once you have identified ways to improve the company 401(k) plan, find fellow colleagues who have the same concerns.

No one wants to be known as the lone chronic complainer at their job, so make sure your co-workers are involved and support your efforts.

"Talk to some of your fellow employees and say, 'Gee, have you ever looked at this plan and seen how much we're paying out in fees?'" suggests Tony Schuman, managing director of Corporate Financial Advisors in Dallas. "This is really critical, because it can affect your life for years."

If you aren't able to save enough money, you might not be able to retire when you'd like. Any problem with the plan that isn't addressed now could depress everyone's individual portfolios in the future.

Include your boss in these conversations. He or she is probably putting money into a 401(k) that would also reap benefits if the plan were improved. Having your boss' support can also reduce the chance that you'd be written off as a lone complainer.

At some point, you will need to approach the person who can actually change the plan -- typically, someone in the human resources department.

Don't forget that your company also wants to retain the best workers. If the investment choices in the 401(k) plan are disappointing and not attractive to employees, human resources has an incentive to make changes.

Unfortunately, too many employees chicken out before they get this far.

"I think there is an intimidation factor," Solin says. "I understand that as an employee, you take a risk when you write that letter to the human resources department. But I also believe that the only way to affect change is to speak up."