Title:   The Evolving Workscape

Speaker:    Thomas Barrett III – Hartford Funds – Director, Strategic Funds

Longevity, demographic changes, and technological innovation are revolutionizing the workplace.  These changes create a number of challenges for plan sponsors but, more importantly, some exciting opportunities.

Avoid brain drain by retaining and attracting top talent – With the aging population growing so rapidly and birth rates declining, many industries could be up against labor shortages.  As many employers face a coming wave of baby-boomer retirements, the resulting gaps in unique skills, experience, and institutional knowledge may be difficult to fill.  Keeping mature workers engaged may help ensure that your company retains the employee knowledge necessary to compete.

Appeal to the shifting priorities of modern workers – Whether you’re a retirement-plan focused advisor or looking to expand your business, you can help existing and prospective retirement-plan clients meet new employee expectations.  These expectations include training to help them learn new skills and remain employable, flexibility to accommodate active lifestyles and child or eldercare, and collaboration to create a sense of community in the workplace.  The employer benefit?  A more productive – and potentially more profitable – workplace.

-          Offer educational opportunities to strengthen employees’ skills and help avoid brain drain

-          Promote collaboration to nurture a happier, more productive workplace

-          Provide flexible options to help employees fulfill caregiving needs and achieve work-life balance