The insurance workforce has gone through a number of significant shifts in the past year and a half. As physical offices begin to reopen and insurers move forward into the next normal, we’ve seen increased competition for talent. It’s a fitting time to reassess how your department is retaining its employees and accommodating a multi-generational workforce. The oldest members of Generation Z are settling in to their first professional roles, and as a result, five distinct generations are working side-by-side, each with unique needs, motivators and values.

By now, most professionals are familiar with the term, “the Great Resignation.” As physical offices begin to reopen and the economy continues to rebound, the overall rate of quits in the United States was at a record high in April*. Within insurance, while relatively high, the rate of quits was still slightly below that reported for August 2020 and January 2021. “The Great Reshuffle” seems to be more appropriate for the current reality of the insurance industry.

In order to remain agile in today’s evolving insurance landscape, many organizations are increasing their use of contingent workers, leveraging interim talent on an as-needed basis. In fact, a recent McKinsey study found 70% of executives plan to employ more onsite contract workers in the next two years. Research from Gartner further supports this growth, sharing that employers plan to increase their use of interim employees following the pandemic, both as a cost-saving measure and to maintain flexibility.

The pandemic has caused a lasting shift in candidates’ work priorities. Even as physical offices begin to reopen, employers must adjust their expectations around recruiting and be more strategic and creative regarding requirements for a role. Our professional recruiting team speaks with candidates and insurers on an ongoing basis, keeping a pulse on the shifting environment. In this edition of Recruiter Report, we’re discussing a question we’ve heard frequently in the past few months: How likely is it a candidate will relocate for a position?

As insurers begin to reopen physical offices and adapt to the post-pandemic workplace, strong leadership and fluid strategies are key components for successfully moving forward. However, the industry’s talent landscape remains competitive, especially in terms of attracting and retaining those at the executive level. We’re seeing increased movement in the leadership ranks, as professionals who were delaying career moves due to the uncertainty of COVID-19 are exploring their options and evaluating their long-term career plans. Organizations must remain future-focused, build loyalty among leaders and their successors, and approach executive compensation through a new lens.