Computer learning Employers can more effectively offer continuous education opportunities by utilizing hybrid delivery methods, interactive modules, scenario exercises, and customized program hubs.

After two years of regular conversations and sentiment surveys with business owners, I continue to hear a common theme – their sights are set on rebuilding their businesses from the impacts of COVID-19. Top of mind for many in this recovery is a new era in employee recruitment and retention. As workforce expectations have evolved, employee benefits can play a key part in differentiating an employer in the competition for talent. According to the latest findings from the Principal Financial Well-Being IndexSM (WBI), businesses plan to boost employee benefits in a proactive response to the ongoing challenges of the pandemic and a competitive labor market.

Related: Strategies to attract and retain talent in 2022's tight labor market

Kara Hoogensen Kara Hoogensen is the senior vice president for Specialty Benefits at Principal Financial Group. During her career at Principal, she has held a variety of leadership roles, including VP for Group Benefits, CEO of Principal Bank and Principal Securities, Inc., and Managing Director at Principal Funds. She holds a BA from Central College along with her Certified Investment Management Analyst® and Certified Employee Benefits Specialist designations.

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to BenefitsPRO, part of your ALM digital membership.

Your access to unlimited BenefitsPRO content isn’t changing.
Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Breaking benefits news and analysis, on-site and via our newsletters and custom alerts
  • Educational webcasts, white papers, and ebooks from industry thought leaders
  • Critical converage of the property casualty insurance and financial advisory markets on our other ALM sites, PropertyCasualty360 and ThinkAdvisor
NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Kara Hoogensen

Kara Hoogensen is SVP for Benefits & Protection at Principal Financial Group.