Lee Hafner

Lee Hafner

Editor

Connect with Lee

Lee joined the EBN team in 2022, and covers areas including caregiving, employee health and wellness, healthcare innovation, and company culture. She created EBN’s popular Benefits in Action and Manager Diaries series, interviewing top leaders from Walmart, AT&T, Aflac, DoorDash, and EY. Her reporting on EBN’s podcast, Perk Up!, earned the team a regional silver award from the AZBEE Award of Excellence in 2025. She has also interviewed several winners of EBN’s Excellence in Benefits Awards, including top CEOs and CHROs from Hyatt and Hendry Marine Industries.

Her favorite parts of the job are connecting with people who are passionate about providing great benefits and a positive work environment, and writing about strategies and tools that help them do this. Previously, she taught high school and middle school, and worked as a freelance writer in healthcare and advertising. She has a BA in English from George Mason University.

Office birthday celebration; employees clapping, woman holding birthday cake, surprising coworker

Employee retention

When employees connect, their wellness improves

Acts of kindness among coworkers can play a large role in a workforce's well-being.

By Lee Hafner

May 30

Woman in business clothes leaning against office window, corporate, executive

Career Growth 2024

How I got this job: Leaders from the C-suite share their secrets

HR execs and benefits experts from Walmart, Lyft, DailyPay and more share what motivated them up the corporate ladder, and how they help other employees succeed, too.

By Lee Hafner

May 29

Woman looking upset with her chin in her hands

Podcast Giving birth, then back to work: Recovering from loss

The hosts of the podcast "Worst Girl Gang Ever" share how to help employees who have experienced miscarriage and infertility.

By Lee Hafner

May 29

Man in fatigue uniform with daughter who is kissing his cheek

How this HR leader supports veteran talent beyond Memorial Day

At isolved, veteran-specific job postings and leadership training boost recruitment and retention.

By Lee Hafner

May 28

Man working at computer analyzing data

Benefits in Action

How these tech companies are helping autistic talent thrive

AutonomyWorks matches autistic talent with tech contract roles, and provides on-the-job training, too.

By Lee Hafner

May 22

Woman shaking hands across desk in job interview

How job candidates can stand out in the era of AI

Two HR experts weigh in on how job seekers can prepare for AI's role in recruitment.

By Lee Hafner

May 21

Male employee speaking to group in conference room

Professional development

3 skills every employee needs in their toolbox

These tried and true soft skills can increase employee performance, promote teamwork and improve business outcomes.

By Lee Hafner

May 20

Four men sitting outside office building talking and laughing

Employee benefits

These 3 benefits are wanted by all generations in the workforce

Data from Forbes Advisor shows that while nuances exist, some core offerings appeal to every age group.

By Lee Hafner

May 17

Women sitting and listening to speaker or presentation

Manager Diaries

Looking for a community of female leaders, this founder created her own

An awakening experience led to the founding of Customer Contact Women, which offers networking, mentorship and career development opportunities.

By Lee Hafner

May 15

Parent with adult son looking at computer and talking

Time to let go: Parents are following their kids into job interviews

Navigating today's job market can be tough, but too much interference can be a disservice to young job seekers.

By Lee Hafner

May 14

Mom holding daughter on lap, smiling and working on laptop computer

Employee benefits

3 benefit must-haves for every working mom

All parents want peace of mind that their family is taken care of, and there are plenty of ways for employers to help.

By Lee Hafner

May 10

Nurse helping patient in hospital bed

Employee benefits

From financial wellness to mental health support, 5 benefits nurses need now

Long-time nurse Rachel Norton shares steps leadership can take to make sure RNs know they're appreciated.

By Lee Hafner

May 9

Woman in yellow sweater working on laptop

Benefits in Action

SupportPay helps this single mom with her financial well-being — and keeps her safe in the process

The digital platform provides a secure way for caregivers to manage all shared expenses.

By Lee Hafner

May 8

Rescue workers helping on narrow street after earthquake

Health and wellness

How to combine work and leisure travel — while staying safe

Combining work and play can be great, but what happens if something goes wrong far from home?

By Lee Hafner

May 7

Employees working on laptop, one standing and motioning to computer screen; one sitting and smiling

Professional development

Want to boost employee enthusiasm? Give them the skills to grow

When employees have the chance to boost their career within an organization, everybody wins.

By Lee Hafner

May 6

Empty wheelchair in hospital hallway

With violence on the rise, nurses are walking away from healthcare

Nurses feel vulnerable due to a lack of support for workplace dangers they face everyday.

By Lee Hafner

May 2

Dad with baby on his shoulders, talking to someone virtually on laptop computer

Employee benefits

‘Finding your village’: This coaching platform helps working parents connect

Cooper Parenting helps parents connect and find advice for everything from breastfeeding to buying a stroller.

By Lee Hafner

April 30

Woman interviewing virtually; person holding resume

Tech Revolution 2024

How AI frees up recruiters to focus on people first

Time saved with technology increases the odds of finding the right fit for a role.

By Lee Hafner

April 30

Blank signature line on contract with pen

The FTC’s new non-compete ban is a wake-up call for employers

Companies will need to work harder to retain employees, without "handcuffing" them to the business, says this HR expert.

By Lee Hafner

April 26

Young woman sitting on exam table at doctor's office with female doctor, looking at paperwork

Why employers should prioritize stroke prevention in the workplace

A stroke rehabilitation specialist explains the risk factors women face, and how certain lifestyle changes can keep them healthy.

By Lee Hafner

April 25