Opinion | Time for Insurance’s Diversity & Inclusion Reset

Kiara Taylor’s story on diversity and inclusion in the commercial insurance industry highlights an interesting dynamic.

When diversity and inclusion is discussed in insurance, the dialogue sometimes comes across like this: “We need to watch expenses. And then there’s the issue of cyber coverage, and oh, who are we going to put in charge of diversity and inclusion? Somebody needs to handle that one.”

Taylor’s piece, which includes thoughtful commentary from some professionals who are actually making a difference in this area, pointed out to me that the drive toward diversity and inclusion is not an add-on; it’s a reset.

It’s a reset that requires opening up the dialogue, taking into account a multiplicity of voices during the planning stages — not just treating D&I as another task that “somebody needs to handle.”

It’s not an easy reset to accomplish. People, and professional cultures, can become set in their ways. As one source pointed out, when it comes to talent recruitment, are you looking for a “fit” with what you already have or are you looking to build an entirely new and different culture? In some ways, it may be the question of to what degree are you willing to relinquish control?

Diversity and inclusion, we should also remember, is not just about racial diversity and inclusion. It covers sexual orientation, country of origin and a host of differences that make us who we are as human beings.

Insurance is a fabulous attractor of talent. No one would argue with that. It’s exciting to see the dialogue within the culture of commercial insurance changing; to hear what previously muted voices have to say. The future of our entire economy will be brighter due to this changing dialogue. &