Revealed: Global Insurance Industry's Most Pressing Diversity And Inclusion Concerns

Independent research involving more than 5,000 Dive In attendees has pointed to a lot more than just gender balance as something the global insurance industry needs to pay close attention to, amid efforts to build more inclusive workplaces.

While gender balance topped the list – with 54% of executives of all levels from over 30 countries identifying it as among the most pertinent areas that require focus – mental health came a close second (47%), followed by culture & ethnicity (38%) and family & care responsibility (28%).

The figures come ahead of Dive In’s fifth edition, which is taking place in more than 60 cities starting tomorrow (September 24) until Thursday.

Commenting on the poll findings, Lloyd’s talent development and inclusion head Pauline Miller had this to say: “More advanced markets have known for some time that D&I (diversity and inclusion) is not just a ‘nice to have’ but a commercial imperative, yet this research has made it clear that this is also the case all over the world.

“While addressing gender balance may be seen as the ‘first step’ in a company’s D&I journey, the research has shown that it is not the only step, as festivalgoers call for more work to be done in other areas such as mental health and culture and ethnicity.”

Miller added that 2019 attendees will learn ways of creating positive action and having an impact on everything D&I, from gender equality to disability.

This year the global festival for diversity and inclusion in insurance is supported by AIG, Aon, Aviva, AXA XL, Chubb, CNA, CNA Hardy, DLA Piper, Gallagher, Guy Carpenter, Kennedys, Lloyd’s, Markel, Marsh, Miller, MS Amlin, Oliver James, PwC, RMS, RSA, Willis Towers Watson, and Zurich. Insurance Business is a media partner.

Meanwhile Dive In committee chair Jason Groves, who is also global director of media relations at Marsh, highlighted the global aspect of D&I issues and initiatives.

“From a few small events in the London insurance market, the Dive In festival has grown exponentially, gathering global momentum and spreading to countries where the issues around inclusion and equality can still be challenging,” noted Groves.

“The adoption of the festival in places like Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Nigeria shows that more and more companies have become determined to build inclusive workplaces, enabling them to attract top talent. By coming together to share good D&I practices we can help them drive cultural change more effectively.”

For more information about the events, visit the Dive In Festival website.