Topic
Employment
How the pandemic changed broker prospecting for new business
June 30, 2022 David GambrillHigh workloads during the pandemic had an impact on brokers’ ability to prospect for new business, Canadian Underwriter‘s 2022 National Broker Survey found. The survey asked more than 250 brokers nationwide in February about challenges to the broker distribution channel.…
Commissions may not compensate brokers for rising workloads
June 21, 2022 David GambrillCommission structure doesn’t always compensate for the time brokers must spend preparing for prospective business, only to have a client reject the proposal, said a broker responding to Canadian Underwriter’s latest National Broker Survey. “If I go to a dentist,…
Brokerage loses bid to dismiss human rights complaint
May 31, 2022 by David GambrillB.C.’s Human Rights Tribunal has denied an application by insurance brokerage Shaw Sabey and Associates to dismiss a complaint lodged by one of its former employees, Adam Kwan, who is of mixed racial descent. “I want to be clear that…
During the ‘Great Re-shuffle,’ don’t forget the ones who stay
May 16, 2022 by David GambrillWith people leaving all around you during ‘The Great Re-shuffle,’ the temptation may be to emphasize recruitment to backfill the people who have been lost, but industry leaders would be well-advised to instead focus on retention, according to a blog…
Ontario Liberals eye auto insurance rates and towing sector
May 13, 2022 Philip PoradoOntario Liberals want to bring down auto insurance rates but not via percentage targets, as envisioned by the New Democrats. “We will also work tirelessly to bring down auto insurance rates,” said Ontario Liberal Party press secretary Andrea Ernesaks. She noted that will…
Where have all the good underwriters gone?
May 12, 2022 Gloria CilliersFor years, insurers have poached commercial underwriters from one another amid M&A activity, an aging population and hard/soft markets. But that’s left the industry with less seasoned talent and slower investment in acquisition, training and retention. “Suddenly, more so than…
How to improve worker satisfaction during “The Great Re-Shuffle”
April 29, 2022 by Alyssa DiSabatinoEmployee development may be key to increasing worker satisfaction and increasing talent equity, suggests one panellist during the Insurance Institute of Canada’s Pivot with Purpose webinar. Instead of viewing employees as assets, companies should see them as investments, explains…
Adapting management styles for the post-COVID workplace
April 28, 2022 by Alyssa DiSabatinoManagers must develop different management skills for the post-COVID world, say panellists at the Insurance Institute of Canada’s Pivot with Purpose webinar. As many organizations begin their transition to a hybrid work model, companies have a responsibility to adapt their…
An honest assessment of P&C industry’s diversity
April 26, 2022 by Alyssa DiSabatinoWith growing calls for diversity and a shortage of fresh talent, the P&C industry has made some progress by adding more diverse talent to its roster, but industry experts say more can be done to make it truly diverse. Representation,…
How ESG offers a competitive advantage
April 22, 2022 by Alyssa DiSabatinoPrioritizing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues is part of a company’s long-term competitive success, and panellists in a recent webinar shared examples of why. For example, companies that focus on ESG — and social responsibility in particular —…
Leaving hibernation: What’s next for P&C industry?
April 21, 2022 by David GambrillLook for Canada’s P&C industry to fine-tune the hybrid workplace model over the next six months, as the country starts to ease pandemic restrictions, industry execs say. The tinkering will involve achieving the best balance between meeting in person with…
Not addressing diversity issues creates risk for brokers, survey finds
April 14, 2022 Phil PoradoNearly all Canadian brokers agree addressing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) issues is linked to business success, according to a late 2021 Canadian Underwriter online survey of 208 brokers across Canada, made possible with the support of Sovereign Insurance. It…