Investing in People: the Strongest Foundation a Company Can Build
As seen in Arkansas Money & Politics – October 2025 issue
By Kassi Bissell, VP of Human Resources, Lexicon
After spending my career in human resources, I have learned that benefits are never a “one-size-fits-all” solution. People are motivated by different things at different stages of their lives and careers, and what feels meaningful to one employee may not register for another.
That’s why HR leaders must constantly ask themselves: Does our benefits package truly serve all of our people? Beyond the standard health and retirement plans, are we offering programs that reflect who we are as a company and what matters most to our teams?
In today’s environment, it’s no longer enough to simply check the boxes. If we want to attract, retain and inspire top talent, we have to think outside the box. We have to go beyond the traditional and create benefits that not only provide security but also instill pride, recognition, advancement and a sense of belonging. The most effective programs are those that are immersed in the company’s culture — celebrated openly, talked about often and designed to support the needs of the workforce.
When I joined Lexicon as vice president of human resources earlier this year, I was struck immediately by how deeply this company cares for its people. Employee benefits aren’t tucked away in a handbook but are instead visible in everyday conversations and in the pride employees take in their work. They’re part of the company’s DNA, shaping a culture where people feel genuinely valued for the long haul.
That commitment shows up in many ways, from comprehensive health and retirement plans to Lexicon University, which helps employees grow their skills and advance their careers and to Strong as Steel: Building Mental Might, our initiative supporting mental health and well-being. These are investments in people, and they demonstrate our desire for people to build lasting careers here, not just show up for a job.
One of the clearest examples of this philosophy is our 20-year recognition program. Since 2002 — when company founder Tom Schueck began this program — we’ve honored employees who reach two decades of service with a special celebration and a $10,000 all-taxes-paid bonus. It’s a benefit as distinctive as it is meaningful, and it speaks to the loyalty that defines Lexicon.
This month, we will celebrate 13 more team members who have reached that milestone and share their stories of perseverance, teamwork and dedication. Over the years, this program has provided millions of dollars in recognition to those who have made Lexicon their professional home, and it has become a cornerstone of our overall benefits package.
What stands out to me most, though, is not just the dollar amount or the ceremony itself. It is the way employees light up when they talk about what it means to be recognized in such a personal way. It reinforces that longevity matters, that their work matters and that they matter. At a time when companies across industries struggle with retention and engagement, I believe Lexicon offers an example worth sharing — take care of your people, and they will take care of you.
As I continue my journey here, I am grateful to walk into a culture where this is already the standard, where leadership has long understood that competitive benefits and heartfelt recognition are more than perks; they are necessities for building a strong, loyal workforce. My role is to continue that legacy, listen to our employees and find even more ways to support them both personally and professionally.
The steel we build lasts for generations, and so does the impact of investing in people. That is what drew me to Lexicon and what makes me proud every day to call it home.
Kassi Bissell is the vice president of human resources at Lexicon, a Little Rock-based steel manufacturer.
