Prue Willsford
The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (the Institute) has launched an unprecedented national survey to identify trends in hiring, skills shortages and staff retention in insurance. This is the first time the knowledge, insights and experiences of human resources and management will be pooled for the common good of the industry.
Launched yesterday, the Careers in Insurance Survey is directed at human resources executives and senior management. The insider knowledge of the respondents will provide a comprehensive overview of industry trends, practices and areas of concern.
“There has long been talk about the industry’s struggles attracting, developing and retaining staff. This is the first stage of an initiative that will help us to determine whether there really are areas related to working in insurance that need our attention. This Survey is integral to finding out whether we have any weak spots and, if we do, will provide the platform for us working together to do something about them,” said Prue Willsford, CEO of the Institute.
The industry-wide initiative, spearheaded by the Institute and Daniel Fogarty, CEO of Zurich Insurance, is supported by the Insurance Council of Australia and the National Insurance Brokers Association. The collaboration reflects the importance of the research to ensuring the staffing and talent needs of the industry can be met.
“We are calling on human resources managers and management-level staff to complete the Survey. Insurance is one of the most vital parts of the Australian economy. We need to continue to attract high calibre candidates, train them well and develop them for the future needs of the industry. This Survey is the first step in us doing that,” said Mr. Fogarty.
“The ICA is collaborating with NIBA and ANZIIF to deliver an industry-wide initiative that highlights the significant benefits of a career in insurance. Our industry has much to offer, with a broad range of career choices, and initiatives such as the Careers in Insurance survey provide us with key insights and will help us direct better targeted career programs. Financial services is a competitive employment sector and we want insurance to be ahead of the pack, to be the employer of choice,” ICA CEO Rob Whelan said.
Human resources professionals and management-level staff working in insurance will receive the Careers in Insurance Survey via email . Those wishing to participate who do not receive it are invited to contact the Institute by emailing: customerservice@theinstitute.com.au.