In a recent 401kTV interview filmed at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, TPSU Founder and CEO Fred Barstein spoke with Shahzeel, an HR professional representing an organization of approximately 400 employees. The conversation took place following a The Plan Sponsor University (TPSU) program on campus, where Shahzeel shared how his company leverages its benefits package — especially retirement — as a powerful recruiting and retention tool.
Shahzeel explained that benefits are featured prominently in their job postings to communicate the company’s commitment to employee well-being and long-term investment in its people. “It’s one of the key things we put out on our job site,” he said. “That lets people know we’re invested in them — and they love to feel that way.”
The strategy not only helps attract new talent but also strengthens internal culture and referrals. “When people feel invested in themselves,” Shahzeel added, “they naturally refer others to come work with us as well.” Fred noted that this approach can be a more cost-effective strategy than overpaying for talent, and Shahzeel agreed that it “cuts costs tremendously.”
Even in a less competitive hiring market, both agreed that attracting the right people remains essential to long-term success. Shahzeel emphasized that the right fit — “right people, right team always” — makes all the difference.
Read the Full Transcript Here:
Fred Barstein:
Greetings. This is Fred Barstein, CEO and founder of TPSU and 401kTV. Just completed a program, TPSU program. Here with Shahzeel on the North Carolina State campus in Raleigh, North Carolina. Welcome, Shahzeel.
Shahzeel:
Thank you so much for having me.
Fred Barstein:
Okay if we ask you a few questions?
Shahzeel:
Absolutely.
Fred Barstein:
Okay. So before we do, tell our audience a little bit about yourself.
Shahzeel:
Absolutely. Well, as you said, my name is Shahzeel. We have about 400 employees and really excited to be talking more about benefits today.
Fred Barstein:
Great. So one of the things you said is you use your benefits including retirement for recruiting. How do you do that?
Shahzeel:
Absolutely. It’s one of the key things we put out on our job site and that lets people know that we’re invested in them and they love to feel that way.
Fred Barstein:
Right. And it’s ongoing, right, for you?
Shahzeel:
Absolutely.
Fred Barstein:
Right. And does that help with recruiting others as well?
Shahzeel:
100%. Because what happens is when people feel invested in themselves, they naturally refer others to come work with us too as well.
Fred Barstein:
Right. To do it. And it can be actually a less expensive way than just keeping overpaying.
Shahzeel:
Absolutely. It cuts cost tremendously.
Fred Barstein:
Right. Do that. So even in an era where it’s not a war for talent, it’s still important to recruit the right people.
Shahzeel:
Absolutely. Right people, right seem always.
Fred Barstein:
Very good. Final question, TPSU, maybe something you learned or would you recommend this?
Shahzeel:
I’d highly recommend this to anyone who’s in HR, anyone who’s a hiring manager, because you’ll learn more about how to make your benefits more accessible and also more attractive to both potential employees and current employees as well.
Fred Barstein:
Very good. Well, thank you for your time.
Shahzeel:
It’s my pleasure. Thanks for inviting me today.
Fred Barstein:
And thank you for watching 401kTV. Please stay tuned.
