Insurance Times launches hybrid working survey in partnership with Vermelo RPO

Insurance Times and recruitment organisation Vermelo RPO have launched an insurance sector-focused survey to investigate the impacts of hybrid and flexible working policies on talent acquisition and retention. 

Those working in the insurance industry – whether insurer, broker or service provider – are invited to provide their thoughts by completing the five minute survey.

Respondents that complete the survey will be entered into a prize draw to potentially win one of three available £50 Amazon vouchers. 

Flexible and hybrid working policies have generated controversy within the insurance sector, with many brokers bemoaning the service they have received from insurers since the pandemic saw a massive uptick in alternative working practices. 

However, many in the sector have also highlighted the improvements in quality of life that flexible and hybrid working provide, alongside its impacts on diversity and inclusion.

Deputy editor Yiannis Kotoulas has questioned whether the international competitiveness of the London market was under threat from hybrid working, while Insurance Times columnist Stuart Reid has emphasised the need for young talent in the industry to prioritise office-based working where possible. 

The new survey seeks to investigate how hybrid and flexible working policies are affecting the insurance sector’s war for talent and hiring practices.

Vermelo RPO managing director Anthony Butler said: ”In the past year, there’s been a significant shift towards formalising hybrid and flexible work policies, leaving many of our insurance clients navigating these changes without the necessary evidence being available for informed decision-making.

”The repercussions of this can range from compromised quality of hires to increasing staff attrition, eroded company culture and reduced productivity. Central to these decisions lies the issue of trust – whether employees will embrace flexibility or exploit it.”

Butler added that the results of the survey would equip the insurance sector with a deeper understanding of the landscape and provide a basis for the crafting of evidence-based policy.