Understanding Worker Personality Types

While it is common to look at workers by generation or gender, LIMRA Secure Retirement Institute (SRI) took a different approach and identified four distinct worker personalities, based on how their workplace perceptions influence their experiences and mindsets. These segments offer a unique view of the workforce that is specifically relevant to their relationships with their employers, their financial priorities and concerns, and how workplace benefits — particularly offering a retirement program — can attract and retain talent.

Overall, the study found these personalities transcended age, gender and income:

Satisfied (and happy): Representing 28% of workers, they are enthusiastic, passionate, positive and proud.
Settled (it’s just a job): Nearly a third of workers (29%) are settled workers. They are less satisfied with their employers and their benefits, but are not actively looking to make a change.
Resigned (but probably sticking it out): One in five workers are resigned workers — more likely to be dissatisfied with their own jobs and role in the workplace but largely neutral about their employers.
Restless (seeking opportunity elsewhere): Nearly a quarter of workers (24%) are restless workers. They highly competent workers are actively seeking other opportunities and are not deeply engaged or invested in their current careers.

In the latest LIMRA Unplugged Lite episode, Deb Dupont, Associate Managing Director, Worksite Retirement, discusses individual characteristics of each worker segment and how employers can better design their benefits programs to support and engage them.