With the S&P 500 taking a 5% nosedive one day and plummeting another 6% the next, financial planning just got a lot more tumultuous for employees across the globe.
According to Gallup, nearly two-thirds of Americans currently have stock market investments either directly or through retirement accounts, with 35% planning to invest in a 401(k). And despite tariffs being lifted and stock prices inching their way back up, individuals are fervently searching for financial advice amidst an unpredictable economic climate.
But the stakes are even higher for workers approaching what financial experts are calling the "retirement danger zone"—those five critical years before and after you stop working. According to a study from J.P. Morgan Asset Management, retirees who suffer a 20% loss in their first year of retirement are more likely to drain their savings completely after just 22 years.
These aren't hypothetical scenarios—they're real market swings that determine whether financial dreams flourish or fade away.
For organizations trying to quell financial fears and provide personalized education, choosing a financial partner isn't merely about finding a money handler. It's about finding the right partner who can help employees protect their savings and build healthy habits when markets turn volatile.
Let's take a closer look at four essential features of dependable financial firms that are specifically designed to help workforces shield and grow savings through market turbulence.
1. Keeping Calm During the Storm
The best financial partners don't just react to threats—they anticipate them.
While market volatility may be unnerving for your workforce, financial experts all agree that the stock market has always been resilient. During these white-knuckle periods, your advisor's stability and accessibility become invaluable for easing employee stress.
When markets turn turbulent, effective advisors can help employees:
- Focus on the human element rather than drowning them in technical jargon
- Validate emotions while providing needed perspective
- Provide reminders about long-term financial or retirement goals
A financial partner’s demeanor shapes every piece of advice they give to your workforce. Unlike communication styles or fee structures you can easily spot, the underlying approach to guidance directly influences how individuals view their finances.
2. Listening More Than Talking
Communication forms the backbone of financial consulting, but when the market is in turmoil, individuals need advisors with open ears to reassure their qualms.
Financial advisors who prioritize consistent, accessible, and two-way communication build stronger relationships that weather even the stormiest market conditions. It’s not only essential to choose a consulting firm that offers regular check-ins for employees, but that can lend a therapeutic ear when the time is right.
Periodic check-ins are a good sign that a financial partner is willing to work with your population and hear their needs. During times of crisis, employees need consultants who care—even if they’re strictly virtual. While robo-advisors don’t offer the personalized, human touch some employees need, they’re great for individuals who need regular guidance, prefer automated portfolios, or have complex financial situations.
The key to helping your workforce ride out market volatility lies in finding a financial partner that understands employees’ financial goals and personal values—and effectively implements strategies reflecting both dimensions. This client-centered approach creates the foundation for successful retirement investing across all market conditions.
3. Integrating with Existing Tech Stacks
When your wellness tools don't communicate with each other, health-centric tasks like financial stress management can easily become fragmented and inefficient.
The most dependable financial partners offer solutions that can seamlessly blend in with your broader wellness ecosystem. Nearly half of firms now implement technology integration to streamline operations and enhance client services, with 88% of professionals offering advisory services heavily dependent on these integrated technology platforms.
To gauge whether a financial partner has the right tools for your tech stack, consider evaluating whether they offer:
- Data synchronization: Automatic updating of information across multiple platforms to ensure consistency.
- API connectivity: Technical interfaces that allow different financial systems to communicate securely.
- Third-party compatibility: The ability to connect with external vendors and software.
- Document sharing and storage: Secure vaults for tax forms, statements, and legal documents.
Today's leading financial firms harness technology to enhance—not replace—the human element of client communication. By carefully evaluating a financial consulting firm's technological capabilities across these dimensions, you can identify partners equipped to protect your employees’ financial interests, grow their savings, and build healthier habits.
4. Specialized Expertise for Unique Situations
A financial management plan should fit your life like a tailored suit—not an off-the-rack outfit meant for somebody else.
The most effective advisors tailor their communication style to match each employee’s financial knowledge level and personal preferences. Doing so ensures each individual grasps important financial strategies without feeling confused or talked down to.
However, not all financial advisors carry equal weight or relevance when it comes to easing financial stress, budgeting, or planning for retirement. The alphabet soup after an advisor's name means little unless those letters directly connect to your workforce’s specific needs.
Financial situations vary as dramatically as fingerprints, making specialized expertise perhaps the most crucial factor when selecting a financial partner. The most effective financial consultants don't just understand unpredictable markets—they understand your employees’ specific circumstances and navigate market complexities with precision.
Financial Advice as Resilient as Your Organization
Choosing a financial consulting firm isn't just another checkmark on your benefits tech stack—it's a decision that can shape the way your workforce shows up. A strong, savvy, and dependable financial partner can build the trust your employees need to stay the course and keep calm when markets plunge.
In need of added guidance while searching for a firm that can support your workforce? Our wellness experts have vetted a variety of advisory companies and know how to tell the difference between financial duds and studs. Get in touch today for personalized expertise.
