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Video presentation

The future of the insurance workforce

HR Forum

EY’s Global Insurance Outlook focuses on three issues that are driving the strategic agenda in markets around the world: preparing for the transformative impact of AI; a spotlight on delivering societal value; and ever-changing customer needs and blurring industry lines. Shifting industry trends are reshaping business capabilities across the insurance value chain and supporting functions. EY expects efficiencies in the ‘core’ insurance competencies of underwriting and claims, but with increased data skills in hybrid roles. Data remains a key asset for decision-making to predict trends, rethink products and services and scale capabilities. Supporting functions need to balance operational cost pressure with an increasingly complex landscape to navigate. Talent strategies need to consider how roles and skills are changing, and HR and L&D teams need to be equipped to support this transition.

Technological advancements like chatbots and AI have played a pivotal role in revolutionising areas such as underwriting. Insurers embracing societal impact strategies not only contributes to social good but also enhances customer loyalty and employee satisfaction.

Evolving customer needs are driving changes in product offerings and service delivery and embedded insurance and ecosystem partnerships are rising as responses to changing customer expectations.

There are implications for HR practices, including the need for skill development and talent management to adapt to evolving trends. Diversity and inclusion initiatives are important, as is the necessity of rethinking organisational structures and roles to accommodate shifts in the industry.

Distribution channels, including digital platforms and personalised approaches can be explored by insurers as new avenues to engage clients. Technological advancements, particularly in underwriting, are driving a shift towards automated processes, potentially reducing the number of underwriters while emphasising the need for technical expertise and data analytics skills.

Real-time pricing and the use of AI in pricing models are becoming more prevalent, necessitating skill development in data analysis and algorithmic decision-making. Similarly, claims processing is evolving towards self-service and automation for simpler cases, with a focus on AI integration for enhanced efficiency and accuracy.

Loss prevention strategies and societal impact considerations are gaining prominence, prompting insurers to adopt predictive and preventive measures throughout the value chain. From a workforce perspective, certain roles may see declining volumes over time, while others will require upskilling to adapt to evolving technological and regulatory landscapes.

In support functions like finance and technology, there is a shift towards strategic partnership and automation, leading to changes in skill requirements and job profiles. Compliance and privacy concerns are driving the need for enhanced controls and expertise in managing AI-driven processes.

This presentation was delivered during the monthly ICMIF Member-to-Member Discussions for HR Directors. Please contact Mike Ashurst, Vice-President of Reinsurance and Professional Development, to find out more about the HR discussions.

Presenter:

Duncan Meadows, Canadian Insurance People Advisory Leader, and Anubhuti Jain, Manager, EY Canada

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