Our recent Q1 2025 Insurance Labor Market Study, conducted in partnership with Aon, found that 88% of insurers plan to increase or maintain their headcounts this year. As carriers continue to anticipate moderate growth in terms of both staff and revenue, the industry’s 2025 talent outlook is steady and sound.
Anticipated increases in business volume is the primary reason for adding staff in the next 12 months, with technology roles in highest demand. After technology, the industry’s greatest needs are underwriting and claims staff. Experienced staff continues to be the industry’s greatest need overall, with 81% of respondents sharing they are most likely to hire experienced individuals, followed by entry-level employees (16%) and executives (3%). Entry-level staff is in highest demand within claims (30%), followed by operations (28%) and analytics (19%).
Compared to January 2024, recruiting difficulty has increased in six of 11 categories, and most positions are at least moderately difficult to fill. Actuarial roles are considered the most challenging, followed closely by executive and analytics positions.
Over the past several years, insurers have re-evaluated their approach to flexible work to adapt to professionals’ shifting expectations. Currently, 75% of carriers expect most employees to work a hybrid schedule (compared to 72% in July 2024) for the first half of the year and 22% expect the majority of their employees to be fully remote (up from 18% in July 2024). Eighty-three percent of carriers offer flexible hours.
From a revenue standpoint, 74% of insurers expect to see growth in 2025 and just 4% anticipate a decrease, primarily driven by changes in market share. For many organizations, a focus on attracting, retaining and developing talent will be key for reaching both hiring and revenue goals. To download the full Q1 2025 results summary and view the results presentation, click here.
The Semi-Annual U.S. Insurance Labor Market Study has collected revenue and hiring projections from carriers across all sectors of the industry for more than 15 years. The next iteration of the survey will take place in July 2025. To be notified when it opens, follow this link.