Webinar: Communication 101: What employees of the workforce need most today by Principal

About this webinar

Employers are one of the most trusted institutions for American workers today. When employees see that their company invests in their financial security through the benefits they offer, that trust deepens and loyalty rises.

However, nearly half of all business owners say that overly complex language stands between them and educating their employees about benefits.

Our featured speaker, Emmy-award winning journalist Harry Smith, will share impactful communication strategies—with tangible real-world examples—to help guide employers and financial professionals towards clearer conversations with employees. You’ll also hear how one passionate employee relations executive tailors benefits for employees at various life stages and why they find it so important to have a good partner in benefits communications.

Agenda

Featured presenter(s)

Kara Hoogensen

Senior Vice  President and Head of Workplace Benefits – Benefits and Protection 

Kara Hoogensen leads Workplace Benefits at Principal Financial Group^®, overseeing strategy, innovation, and claims operations for Benefits and Protection and sales compensation operations for Principal^®.

Hoogensen joined Principal in 1996 in the retirement division. After a year with Merck & Co., Inc., she re-joined Principal in 2001.  During her tenure, she has held a variety of positions, including business development, strategy, and leadership for Principal Bank^®, Principal Trust Company^®, and Principal Securities, Inc. Hoogensen joined the insurance division in August 2017.  She is on the board of directors for Zoe Foundry, a benefits-focused venture studio, and the board of trustees for Central College.

Harry Smith

former NBC and CBS News Correspondent

Recipient of four Emmys and a Peabody award, Harry Smith is a renowned journalist and storyteller whose career has spanned nearly four decades. He hosted “the Early Show” and “CBS News Sunday Morning,” and served as an anchor for MSNBC. Now retired from broadcast journalism, Harry Smith teaches a seminar about curiosity at his alma mater.

Nicole Mills

Community Choice Credit Union – VP of People and Culture

Nicole Mills is passionate about empowering teams and optimizing operational effectiveness. Her mission is to create people-centric solutions that enable businesses to thrive while ensuring a positive employee experience.

As the Vice President of People and Culture at Community Choice Credit Union, she focuses on aligning HR strategies with business goals and fostering a progressive workplace culture.

Webinar Details

Date: Wednesday August 12, 2026

Time: 2:00 - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Cost: Free

Language: English(Customized)

Webinar ID: b5ef712b8667

Dial-in Info:

Dial-in number: +1 (312) 248-9348

Dial-in ID: #

Dial-in passcode: 4575#

Don’t worry if you can’t make it to the webinar. By registering, we’ll send you the replay so you can watch when it’s convenient for you.

Merck &Co., Zoe Foundry, Central College, NBC News, CBS News, the Early Show, CBS News Sunday Morning, MSNBC, and Community Choice Credit Union are not affiliates of any company of the Principal Financial Group.

Insurance products issued by Principal National Life Insurance Co. (except in NY), Principal Life Insurance Company^®.  Plan administrative services provided by Principal Life. Referenced companies are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392.

5558451-062026