Visible, transparent displays of authentic leadership – whether this be in a workshop, or in a fireside chat with an HR professional, create a ripple effect across the company. When leadership models your corporate principles, it fosters an environment of belonging and psychological safety. —Kirill Bigai, co-founder and CEO, Preply
Professional development and industry education can be a powerful tool to help attract employees and encourage them to stay. Offering professional development and learning opportunities can be a benefit for both employees and employers hoping to fill open positions. —Carie Crane, vice president of professional development, LIMRA and LOMA
Organizations that recognize this desire and offer opportunities for continuous learning aren’t just investing in skill development. They’re sowing the seeds of loyalty and commitment. —Christina Gialleli, director of people ops, Epignosis
From interns to senior executives, everyone in a learning culture understands that their efforts to improve their skills and learn new ones positively impact their growth and the brand’s ability to stay competitive. —Sandra Loughlin, Ph.D., chief learning scientist and global head of learning & talent enablement, EPAM Systems, Inc.
Meaningful relationships are at the top of what’s needed for sustainable happiness (coming in second to purpose). We need to reframe how we build real connections in the workplace that go beyond “how’s the weather” conversations.
—Jenn Lim, CEO, Delivering Happiness
Lifelong learning and professional development are integral to employee satisfaction. Encourage employees to join professional organizations, which provide vast resources for skill development and industry insights. —Gary Scharf, leader of north american client engagement, PMI
As an antidote to loneliness, isolation, and feelings of distrust, collaboration, social connectivity, and relational bonds will continue to create a framework for positive workplace engagement and professional growth, while also encouraging and fostering personal development as the human-centered workforce progresses in its inevitable evolution, today and beyond. —Bryan Otte, chief human resources officer, MGAC
For every no I received, I knew I’d be that much closer to a yes. I also realized I needed to be highly disciplined, I needed structure, I needed to set goals. Probably the biggest challenge for those entering the industry is that you’re going to be knocked down and knocked back, but you have to persist through it. —Bryce Heinbaugh, CEO, managing partner, IEN Risk Management Consultants
As I’ve grown, I’ve leaned more into asking mentors and peers what works for them. I have a couple of collaboration groups where I can talk to people across the country and seek guidance and advice. That has taken precedence in my decision making. —Erin Issac, president, benefits consultant, Joy Benefits
Be a student of the industry, no matter how experienced you are. I learned a long time ago that collaborating was more important than competing, and we all get way more wins that way. We have a co-consultant program for that very reason. The more advisors we can teach (and learn from) in this market, the more employers we can all serve and the more weight we take off of businesses across America so they can focus on what matters most to them. —Emma Fox, COO, partner, E Powered Benefits
Personal & professional development
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