Mike Dullaghan is Director of Retirement Sales Execution for Franklin Templeton. He is responsible for providing thought leadership, promoting new content, and delivering the tools and resources that help enable the Retirement team to effectively market Franklin Templeton products. Mr. Dullaghan is a regular contributor to Kiplinger’s “Building Wealth” newsletter.

In this episode, Eric and Mike Dullaghan discuss Franklin Templeton’s “Voice of the American Workplace Survey,” available for download at https://www.franklintempleton.com/insights/research-findings/voice-of-the-american-workplace-survey

The discussion includes:

• Work-Life Balance and Mental Health Are Frontline Priorities
• Communication Must Be Clear, Diverse, and Generationally Aware
• Retirement and Career Growth Need Personalization
• The Future of Work Demands Skill Agility and Cultural Alignment

Key Takeaways:

• Work-life balance and mental health are top priorities, with 85% of employees seeking better balance and support for stress management in the workplace.
• Communication must be clear, diverse, and generationally aware, as 90% of employees want honest leadership communication delivered through multiple channels, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Retirement and career growth need personalization, with a strong interest in guaranteed income options and a desire for both simpler and tailored investment and development paths.
• The future of work demands skill agility and cultural alignment as employees adapt to AI and technology shifts, while also seeking transparency, purpose, and opportunities to grow.

“Look for ways to ruthlessly simplify. Life is complicated.” - Mike Dullaghan

Connect with Mike Dullaghan:

Website: https://www.franklintempleton.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedullaghan1

Connect with Eric Dyson:

Website: https://90northllc.com/

Phone: 940-248-4800

Email: contact@90northllc.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/401kguy/

The information and content of this podcast is general in nature and is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. It is believed to be accurate and reliable as of the posting date, but may be subject to change

It is not intended to provide a specific recommendation for any type of product or service discussed in this presentation or to provide any warranties, investment advice, financial advice, tax, plan design, or legal advice (unless otherwise specifically indicated). Please consult your own independent advisor as to any investment, tax, or legal statements made.

The specific facts and circumstances of all qualified plans can vary, and the information contained in this podcast may or may not apply to your individual circumstances or to your plan or client plan-specific circumstances.

In this episode of Friday Fiduciary Five, Eric Dyson discusses the Department of Labor’s (DOL) position in the forfeiture-related case Hutchins vs. Hewlett Packard, Inc. The DOL submitted an amicus brief supporting the court’s dismissal of the plaintiffs’ complaint, agreeing that Hewlett Packard acted within the discretion granted by its plan document. Dyson stresses the importance of following plan documents and recommends consulting advisors, attorneys, record keepers, and TPAs to ensure compliance. He explains that plan sponsors are allowed to use forfeitures to pay plan expenses or fund employer contributions, depending on what the plan permits. Dyson warns that requiring forfeitures to always offset administrative expenses could lead employers to reduce promised benefits, such as matching contributions.

Connect with Eric Dyson:

Website: https://90northllc.com/

Phone: 940-248-4800

Email: contact@90northllc.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/401kguy/

The information contained herein is general in nature and is provided solely for educational and informational purposes.

It is not intended to provide a specific recommendation of any type of product or service discussed in this presentation or to provide any warranties, financial advice, or legal advice.

The specific facts and circumstances of all qualified plans can vary, and the information contained in this podcast may or may not apply to your individual circumstances or to your plan or client plan specific circumstances.

In this episode of Friday Fiduciary Five, Eric Dyson talks about trends in advisor RFPs, emphasizing the importance of likability, participant engagement, and support for HR teams. He highlights that committees still prioritize fiduciary consulting and support. However, this has become table stakes. The difference that many plan sponsors and committees look for is in the value advisors can bring to enhance employee understanding and appreciation of benefits. Eric shares insights from his experience in personally conducting advisor searches and RFPs for plan committees, noting that personal connections and cultural fit are crucial. He advises advisors to focus on their company's culture and values, as well as their ability to assist with HR tasks, to stand out in the competitive advisor market.

Connect with Eric Dyson:

Website: https://90northllc.com/

Phone: 940-248-4800

Email: contact@90northllc.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/401kguy/

The information contained herein is general in nature and is provided solely for educational and informational purposes.

It is not intended to provide a specific recommendation of any type of product or service discussed in this presentation or to provide any warranties, financial advice, or legal advice.

The specific facts and circumstances of all qualified plans can vary, and the information contained in this podcast may or may not apply to your individual circumstances or to your plan or client plan specific circumstances.