How to Find the Best Finance Services When you think about the financial services industry—cuddly, warm, and trustworthy might not be the first adjectives that come to mind. But these banks, insurance companies, and more win high marks from employees for emphasizing not just the balance sheets (though there’s plenty of that), but the softer side of customer outreach and employee relationships. A consistent refrain: employees at these companies get to put their clients first. And the benefits don’t hurt either.
The Financial Services Industry
The financial services industry is an area where it’s easy to see what goes wrong, so here are some big problems financial services organizations have: Since 2004, 22.2 million people have lost their jobs in the U.S. It’s no secret that the economic downturn has affected the financial services sector. Perhaps worst of all is the unemployment rate, which at 8.1 percent is at its highest point in six years. Concerns that the future of the banking industry may be in jeopardy have put pressure on banks to improve customer service. Though banks are adamant that they aren’t getting rid of customer service reps, the reality is that many employees are stretched very thin.
What Makes a Company Great
Fast Company talked to employees of these four companies about how they’ve managed to be popular with employees. Here’s what they said. Apple The San Francisco–based tech giant has been working overtime to not only retain workers but also encourage new hires. Employees love that the company has personalized its programs to suit the particular needs of each individual, rather than creating a one-size-fits-all approach. For instance, the company is regularly taking the time to learn employees’ strengths, interests, and behaviors so that it can provide the best possible services and support, while also reducing what employees see as inefficient and counterproductive processes.
Benefits and Compensation
“Employees at the highest-performing banks and insurers are compensated well and receive benefits,” explains Mark Williams, executive director of Business Executives for National Security (BENS), a non-profit organization that conducts an analysis of financial products and services and helps its members understand industry trends. Looking for a good bank to work for? “After reviewing several hundred bank options and reviewing best practices from the largest banks, we’ve come to believe that Goldman Sachs is a top-tier place to work,” adds Williams. The New York bank offers job candidates a six-month paid sabbatical, paid holidays, and programs for small businesses that promote marketing and sales initiatives.
Finding the Best Company for You
Whether you’re working toward a degree or just hoping to learn more about what the financial services industry does, these banks, insurance companies, and more are worth the time and effort to find out. Here are some of the best places for getting started. Barclaycard With nearly $74 billion in assets, a growing footprint in South America and Europe, and a brand that’s perceived as good stewards of communities, Barclaycard is one of the top finance companies to get a job with. BlackRock Founded in 1988, BlackRock, a massive company that controls $6.3 trillion in assets worldwide, is taking the world of finance to a new level—beyond traditional investments.
Conclusion
Here’s the key takeaway: I don’t want to make you jealous or anything, but I think you’ll find it easier to start your own business, work for a startup, or work with a company that isn’t named Wells Fargo or JPMorgan Chase. It’s a lot easier to like the folks you work for when you aren’t thinking about how it impacts your personal future or the company’s future. (Hey, if it’s broke, it’s broke, right?) Like this article?
