Strengthening Employee Benefits

Stephanie Shields, Head of the Employee Benefits business at Equitable

Stephanie Shields, Head of the Employee Benefits business at Equitable

Stephanie Shields is the head of Equitable’s Employee Benefits business, which provides employee benefits to small and medium-sized businesses. Starting off her career as a Product Manager and serving in senior leadership roles at Aflac and Cigna for many years, Shields has proved herself to be a thought leader in the group benefits industry.

Please tell our readers about your roles and responsibilities at your organization.

As the Head of the Employee Benefits business at Equitable, my goal is to create a culture that aligns our people around our purpose as a business. Equitable’s Employee Benefits business was founded as a start-up in 2015 and is now in a period of rapid growth. We have the advantage of having modern technology that gives us a sustainable edge. Our purpose is to bring a powerfully simple experience to our customers, for which we work to align our teams around the concept of outside-in thinking and creating an intuitive experience. We are passionate about challenging the industry status quo and improving access to benefits solutions for the clients we serve.

Can you share your views on hybrid working culture?

I am an advocate of flexibility and building a model based on trust. As a working mother of three school-aged children, I understand all that our employees are juggling. Within our team, we have settled for a hybrid environment that creates in-person interactions and balances the flexibility employees desire to also work remotely. We are intentional in the way we plan our work, so time spent together in the office is meaningful and collaborative.

“I strongly believe that a competitive benefits package is critical not just for attracting but also for retaining a high-performing workforce.”

As a leader in employee benefits, what is the value of having a strong and strategic benefits package and what should organizations consider when offering one?

A competitive benefits package is critical for attracting and retaining a high-performing workforce. The pandemic created a heightened awareness of employee benefits and the need for comprehensive coverage and protection against unforeseen risks. LIMRA found that almost 70 percent of employers across all size segments are expanding their benefits packages. This is a response to the growing awareness of the role that benefits play in financial health and personal wellness. Organizations should consider offering a broad set of employee benefits programs that includes both medical and non-medical. A comprehensive enrollment strategy that incorporates intuitive technology and effective customer service and communications materials is also critical and can help an employee make better benefits decisions that meet their personal needs.

Can you give a piece of advice to budding professionals in this field?

Our industry is built on relationships. Invest energy in networking and making meaningful connections across your teams and the industry. Throughout your career there will be many familiar faces and much to learn from the wonderful talent in our business. On a personal level, empathetic leaders are more valued than ever, and diversity, not just of people, but of thought, is important for the success of a business. Ensure employees understand your business purpose and how they contribute to the vision. And that your culture fosters both trust and accountability for executing on that vision.

Equitable is the brand name of the retirement and protection subsidiaries of Equitable Holdings, Inc., including Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company(Equitable Financial) (NY, NY), Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company of America (Equitable America), an AZ stock company, and Equitable Distributors, LLC. Equitable Advisors is the brand name of Equitable Advisors, LLC (member FINRA, SIPC) (Equitable Financial Advisors in MI and TN). All group insurance products are issued either by Equitable Financial or Equitable America, which have sole responsibility for their respective insurance and backed solely by their claims-paying obligations. GE-5626143(exp.4/25)