Lauren Hein is a seasoned Total Rewards and People Operations leader with over 12 years of experience designing and scaling compensation and benefits programs in high-growth SaaS and tech environments. As the Head of Total Rewards at Payscale, Lauren leads the strategic design of salary structures, merit increase planning, incentive programs, and benefits that align organizational goals with what truly matters to employees. 

Throughout her career, Lauren has helped organizations navigate the full spectrum of total rewards challenges—from managing biannual merit and promotion cycles and global bonus programs to building career frameworks and pay transparency initiatives that improve internal equity and retention. Her approach blends deep technical knowledge with a people-first mindset, ensuring compensation strategies are not only compliant and competitive but also clear, inclusive, and motivating. 

Lauren brings significant experience in managing complex operational challenges such as multi-state payroll, M&A integration, and 409A equity planning, and has consistently delivered value through cost-saving benefits strategies. 

Known for translating complex compensation policies into accessible language, Lauren partners closely with executives and HR teams to build data-driven, human-centered rewards programs. Her work is grounded in empathy and impact, helping companies attract, retain, and grow talent in dynamic, distributed work environments. 

At the heart of Lauren’s philosophy is the belief that well-structured total rewards programs can be a powerful lever for equity, engagement, and long-term success.