What motivates you? HR and benefits pros share their top 12 drivers

September 28, 2023 1:43 PM

Why is the work you do important?

This question was posed to audience members earlier this week at EBN's Benefits at Work conference, by keynote speaker and workplace expert Rachel Druckenmiller. The former benefits professional and founder of Unmuted spoke to attendees about how to lead with intention and compassion, and started by getting to the root of what drives HR and benefits professionals.

Druckenmiller prompted listeners to respond to the questions: What is it about the work you do in benefits and HR that is meaningful, purposeful, or important to you? To those you serve? To the wider world?

The answers reflected what the industry truly does: serves people. The benefit leaders in attendance listed the opportunity to improve lives as a top motivator, and a driver toward change and success. The submitted answers were summarized by ChatGPT to highlight the 12 motivating factors that drive HR and benefit leaders to work every day.

Professional and personal growth

Many benefits leaders find meaning in their work by helping individuals grow personally and professionally. This includes providing opportunities for career advancement, skill development, and personal growth.

Improving lives

A recurring theme is the desire to make people's lives easier and better. This includes helping them navigate complex healthcare systems, providing support during life events, and assisting with behavioral challenges, especially for neurodiverse individuals.

Supporting families

Several responses emphasize the importance of supporting families, whether it's through family care benefits, women's health equity, or ensuring that families have the resources they need.

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Health and well-being

Helping individuals live healthier lives and make better choices is a common theme. This includes promoting physical and mental health, providing clarity on healthcare options, and advocating for mental health.

Mission-driven

Some benefits leaders connect their work to a larger mission, such as expanding access to education or creating health equity. This gives their work a sense of purpose and importance.

Empathy and support

Many benefits leaders see themselves as partners in employees' lives, offering empathy and support during difficult times. They aim to be a source of comfort and resolution.

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Work-life balance

Enabling employees to have better work-life balance and spend more time with loved ones is another important aspect of their work.

Solving complex problems

Benefits leaders often see themselves as problem solvers, helping employees navigate the complexities of healthcare and other benefits, making their lives easier.

Impact on company success

Some responses highlight the positive impact benefits can have on a company's bottom line and employee satisfaction. This underscores the importance of their work in the business world.

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Peresonalization

Personalizing benefits to individual needs and circumstances is seen as a way to help people achieve better outcomes in retirement and other aspects of their lives.

Making HR tasks easier

Some benefits leaders working with vendors emphasize their role in simplifying HR administrators' tasks, allowing them to focus on employee engagement and culture.

Creating moments that matter

Benefits leaders recognize that their work often involves pivotal moments in people's lives, such as the birth of a child or dealing with medical issues.

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