Benefits March 7, 2011

Most Bosses Don’t Mind a Little Madness

March 7, 2011 (PLANSPONSOR.com) – More than half (57%) of bosses polled by OfficeTeam said March Madness activities in the workplace, such as watching games or participating in pools that don’t involve money, are ok in moderation.
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According to an OfficeTeam press release, 11% said festivities around March Madness are welcome diversions.  However, a third contended they shouldn’t be allowed in the workplace.  

“As long as they don’t interfere with work, activities tied to sporting events can be great for morale,” said OfficeTeam executive director Robert Hosking, in the announcement. “Watching a game together or holding friendly contests provides opportunities for employees to build team spirit.”   

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OfficeTeam also asked workers if they are ever distracted from their work by major sporting events, and 20% said yes.  

More men (36%) than women (6%) confessed to being distracted on the job by outside sporting events. Thirty-four percent of professionals between the ages of 18 and 34 admitted to being sidetracked, more than those in other age groups.  

The surveys of managers and workers were conducted by an independent research firm and include responses from 1,013 senior executives at companies with 20 or more employees and 437 workers 18 years of age or older and employed in office environments.
Deals and People March 7, 2011

GEAM Taps Two for Sales Roles

March 7, 2011 (PLANSPONSOR.com) – GE Asset Management Incorporated (GEAM) has added two senior sales professionals to its intermediary business team.
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A news release said Bill Manthorne, a 17-year industry veteran, has joined the firm as Vice President – Sub-Advised Sales, reporting to Mike Cosgrove, President and CEO – Mutual Funds and Intermediary Business. Brian McCarthy, who brings almost 20 years of experience to GEAM, joins as Defined Contribution Investment Only (DCIO) Channel Leader, reporting to Joe Connors, Senior Vice President – DCIO and Annuity Channels.

Manthorne, with experience in sales, relationship management, marketing and strategic planning, joins GEAM from BNY Mellon Asset Management, where he was Senior Vice President – Retirement and Sub-Advisory Sales. In this role he marketed investment strategies of the firm’s 20 subsidiaries to intermediaries including variable insurance platforms, DC providers and corporate plan sponsors. Previously he held sales roles at CitiStreet, IXIS Asset Management and Fidelity Investments. He received his BA in Political Science from the University of New Hampshire.

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McCarthy most recently served as Managing Director – National Accounts Investment Only with The Hartford Mutual Funds, with responsibility for sales and relationship management for the recordkeeping channel. Earlier in his career he held sales and relationship management roles at Smith Brothers Insurance, Genworth Financial and Fidelity Investments. McCarthy received his BS in Finance from St. Thomas Aquinas College and an MBA from Iona College.

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