James Smyth: Don't overlook HR's hidden potential for your business

Incremental 1% improvements

clock • 4 min read

Small improvements in the human resources side of financial services businesses will be key to tackling the bigger challenges that lie ahead for the sector, argues James Smyth

Helping people and businesses obtain the most return from their investment is the lifeblood of the financial services sector yet how many firms can say their internal processes deliver the same value? Staffing is probably your biggest expense - so clearly, if your team is not working as well as it could, you will not see the most value from it. Many business professionals, whether they work in human resources (HR) or not, understand the importance of recruiting the right people for the job, then engaging them to drive performance. They may also recognise their own HR policies - or lack t...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

Appetite for financial advice increases yet overall take-up rate falls

Appetite for financial advice increases yet overall take-up rate falls

Men still more likely to take advice than women

Isabel Baxter
clock 19 November 2025 • 3 min read
 PA Awards 2026: Provider shortlists revealed!

PA Awards 2026: Provider shortlists revealed!

Celebrating excellence in supporting financial advisers

Professional Adviser
clock 19 November 2025 • 2 min read
Advisers urged to 'question' conventional allocation models

Advisers urged to 'question' conventional allocation models

Doug Brodie speaks on investment trusts’ benefits

Isabel Baxter
clock 19 November 2025 • 5 min read