Mobile work options impact RIA firms

Mobile work options impact RIA firms
Allowing employees more flexibility and control over their work routines can lead to greater productivity and a long-tenured team.
JAN 07, 2016
The technology revolution continues to evolve, impacting us in ways that were unimaginable even 10 years ago. The "givens" of today will propel us — or even force us — to examine and change how we manage our work force. Those given factors include: • The ubiquitous presence of cell phones • The availability of countless apps • Increased storage capacity and greater processing capability • Decreased focus on local markets • Younger employees According to Alicia Rey, group director, industry solutions at Citrix, "Regardless of what we call it, whether workshifting, flexworking, smart working, remote working …. etc., the goal is the same. Employees want the flexibility to work from home as needed, or work on the road while traveling, or accommodate schedule challenges in order to maintain productivity. When employees have that flexibility to take care of their personal lives, they are more satisfied and more engaged with the company." How can technology provide the flexibility employees crave? • Working from home — or anywhere — is possible with remote access, laptops, tablets, cell phones, video conferencing and intranet. • Work is made easier and more accessible with online tools for research, custodian data, web-based financial planning, CRM in the cloud and shared document vaults. • VoIP phones bring local connectivity to any location. Allowing employees more flexibility and control over their work routines can lead to greater productivity and a long-tenured team. Embracing technology and the freedom it can enable may actually lead to improved work satisfaction for principals and employees, a higher quality firm, and potentially a path to an eventual internal transition. Sheryl Rowling is head of rebalancing solutions at Morningstar Inc. and principal at Rowling & Associates. She considers herself a non-techie user of technology.

Latest News

RIA moves: True North adds $353M California RIA as SageView grows North Carolina presence
RIA moves: True North adds $353M California RIA as SageView grows North Carolina presence

Plus, a $400 million Commonwealth team departs to launch an independent family-run RIA in the East Bay area.

Blue Owl Capital, Voya strike private market partnership for retirement plans
Blue Owl Capital, Voya strike private market partnership for retirement plans

The collaboration will focus initially on strategies within collective investment trusts in DC plans, with plans to expand to other retirement-focused private investment solutions.

Top Commonwealth advisor to recruiters: Stop with the cold calls already!
Top Commonwealth advisor to recruiters: Stop with the cold calls already!

“I respectfully request that all recruiters for other BDs discontinue their efforts to contact me," writes Thomas Bartholomew.

Why AI notetakers alone can't fix 'broken' advisor meetings
Why AI notetakers alone can't fix 'broken' advisor meetings

Wealth tech veteran Aaron Klein speaks out against the "misery" of client meetings, why advisors' communication skills don't always help, and AI's potential to make bad meetings "100 times better."

Morgan Stanley, Goldman, Wells Fargo to settle Archegos trades lawsuit
Morgan Stanley, Goldman, Wells Fargo to settle Archegos trades lawsuit

The proposed $120 million settlement would close the book on a legal challenge alleging the Wall Street banks failed to disclose crucial conflicts of interest to investors.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.