In our conversations with insurance leaders, an increasing number of companies are sharing their plans to remain hybrid for the long term. In fact, our Q3 2023 Insurance Labor Market Study found 92% of insurers currently offer hybrid work, with about two-thirds expecting employees to be in the office at least one day per week through the end of the year.

Unemployment continues to decline within the insurance carriers and related activities sector, falling to 1.4% in August, despite a slight increase in the overall economy’s unemployment rate. Job openings within finance and insurance remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic numbers and total separations have declined compared to last year. The previously volatile labor market appears to be settling; however, recruiting remains a challenge. 

Despite rising costs for health insurance and profitability issues within property and casualty, the industry’s talent landscape remains strong. The unemployment rate for insurance carriers and related activities dropped by more than 1.5 points last month, following a brief spike in June. Industry employment also continues to grow, with the sector adding nearly 30,000 jobs since the beginning of 2023. 

The insurance industry is in a unique labor market, continuing to face a talent shortage, while talk of a looming economic recession continues. In today’s evolving and uncertain economy, temporary talent – whether it’s project-based teams or interim expertise – is often necessary to effectively meet business demands and accommodate shifting needs. If you’re revisiting projects that were shelved during COVID, striving to remain flexible and not committing to additional full-time staff, or simply aiming to take advantage of new opportunities, contract workers are often an efficient and cost-effective solution. 

The insurance carriers and related activities sector experienced its third consecutive month of record high employment in June, reaching 2,945,300 individuals. Industry wages are also continuing to rise, with a 6.1% overall increase compared to one year ago.* Meanwhile, the insurance unemployment rate rose to 3.2% last month – the highest the industry has seen since June 2021. Yet, this spike is likely an anomaly, given the industry’s recent wage and employment gains.