In celebration of our 10-year anniversary, dozens of benefits leaders have shared their thoughts on the current benefits landscape and their visions for the future of employee benefits. We’ve been publishing their interviews every week on my LinkedIn page as part of our series, Insights From Industry Leaders. Four leaders representing a wide swath of employer types strike a common chord on what keeps them in Benefits.
“… I’ve found the benefits world to be a unique platform for supporting people in their aspirations to achieve optimal levels of wellbeing—however they define it. Additionally, especially at Paychex, being in the benefits industry has allowed me to work with a brilliant and employee-focused team, and I’m fortunate to report to someone—Jake Flaitz—whom I consider to be one of the great minds in the world of benefits. So, I have constant opportunities to challenge myself and continue to grow. What’s more, I’m fascinated by the complex and relatively unexplored relationship between work and wellness—how work affects wellness and how wellness affects work. Being in the benefits industry, especially as a member of Jake’s team, allows me to gain meaningful insight into that relationship that I believe not only delivers value to Paychex but also can ultimately deliver value to other employers and employees.”
–Bob Merberg, Manager—Wellness, Safety, Food Service, Paychex
“I have stayed in the industry as I am passionate about it. There exists tremendous opportunity to create win-win solutions for companies as well as their most valuable asset—their employees. As of recent years, the volume and magnitude of change and focus have been unparalleled, making it a very exciting time in the practice. With its visibility and costs both increasing exponentially, it’s also become an area that has become more important for companies, shareholders, and business leaders to manage, and manage well.”
–Matthew C. Harmon, Director of Benefits and HRIS, AutoZone
“My next mission is to help people realize that life is long—and getting longer for many of us—so saving as much as you can is super important. Life spans are lengthening. Too many Americans haven’t saved enough for retirement. Or, worse, they may not even have access to a workplace savings plan. We have a huge opportunity to get more people saving in defined contribution plans to help them retire with dignity.”
–Megan Yost, Head of Participant Engagement, Defined Contribution Team, State Street Global Advisors
“It gives me the opportunity to use my business acumen while knowing that the plans that I implement and administer help employees live better lives.”
–Michael Anzalone, Director, Benefits, BAYADA Home Health Care