In the world of Family Offices, anything is possible and the professionals hired to do the unthinkable have to be problem solvers, agile, and absolutely committed to the cause. Most importantly, they have to be the right Cultural Fit, which most Family Office professionals believe is more important than qualifications in the hiring process.
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The data from this year’s research by Grant Thornton indicates that the progress achieved so far on women in senior management is fragile. There has been a dramatic decrease in the percentage of female CEOs, including a 15pp drop in CEOs who are women in the United States, a 14pp drop in China, and an 8pp drop in the UK between 2023 and 2024. Without determination to change, then the progress made will be at risk of not just plateauing but slipping back. Businesses have a clear opportunity to take actionable, tangible steps, and follow the three pathways to accelerate towards parity.
Running a family-owned business is no easy feat. Among the many challenges is determining the right salary and compensation structure for top executives. And the topic of pay is a sensitive one when it involves the founder, family members, and other stakeholders.
As the U.S. economy continues its turbulent path toward a soft landing, businesses are generally seeing a reduction in unemployment and turnover. Unfortunately, employers will face increased pressure from the employee benefits expense line, which will be fraught with challenges over the next 12 to 24 months. By taking a strategic approach to benefits planning and navigating the upcoming challenges, employers can stay on top of key issues in healthcare, compliance, and benefits.
FOX honored Shannon Kennedy, Head, BMO Wealth Management - U.S., with the Glen W. Johnson Legacy Award. The award is presented to a distinguished individual with extraordinary business achievements and who demonstrates Glen’s values and characteristics. Glen was a great admirer of Shannon and we can’t think of a more deserving inaugural recipient given Shannon’s accomplishments and continued influence within the family office industry.
FOX has identified the cultivation of Human Capital as a key element of multi-generational success for business-owning families and other Family Offices that are focused on continuity, succession, and continual growth of family assets. The Frisbie Group in Palm Beach was originally founded by three brothers investing in a single rental property in Boston, Massachusetts while in college. It has since grown to involve nearly a dozen family members working side by side with external employees to focus on transformational residential and community development projects.
People are critical to a family office’s long-term success. However, recruiting top talent continues to be a great challenge when there’s a shortage of top talent in a tight labor market. Compounding the problem, many family offices lack robust training and development plans to prepare next-generation family members and existing employees to step into key roles. As capability needs evolve, updating role descriptions for employee recruitment is key. Intentional skill development, career pathing, and creative compensation can help retain top talent.
With depression affecting as many as one in three adults, greater attention has been given to mental health in the workplace—including the impact poor mental health has on workplace morale, culture, and healthcare costs. Workplace culture initiatives that address and support employee mental health needs boost employee engagement, productivity, and retention. By following this checklist of six best practices, organizations can help build a strong framework for mental wellness both at home and in the workplace.
The growing use of video and automated technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), in employment practices—and the concern that the technology may foster discrimination and bias—has triggered a wide array of regulatory efforts. At least 11 statutes have been introduced targeting the use of AI-related technology to assist with employment decisions. Employers should take note of enacted and proposed legislation and consult with legal counsel before implementing automated employment technologies.
We’ve all heard the terms “quiet quitting,” “quiet firing,” and the “great resignation” that point to the need for better employee engagement, which is a state of mind in which employees feel passionate about their jobs, are committed to the organization, and want to put discretionary effort into their work. In this webcast, Cheryl Kuch at Rehmann shares actionable insights and data, checklists, tools, and guidance for managers who are the answer to increasing employee engagement.