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The Human Element of AI Transformation

Discover ways to effectively navigate through AI transformation. Only 4% of companies say they’re creating real value from their AI investments. The key differentiator is how well organizations manage the human side of implementation. 

Download the white paper to explore best practices for taking a human-focused approach as you lead through change.

Recruiter Report: Find the “Perfect” Candidate

Finding top talent remains difficult in today’s labor market. However, holding out for the “perfect” candidate may mean losing out on high-potential individuals that would thrive in the role.

Read our blog post gain insights on redefining what the ideal candidate looks like and share how to take a realistic and future-focused approach to making the right hire.

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Jacobson Employee Spotlight – Q1 2023

As Women's History Month kicks off, we want to take a moment to celebrate the women in our own organization. The Jacobson Group is 81% women, and women make up 76% of our leadership team! Below we highlight just a few of these amazing individuals, their roles and what they love about working at Jacobson. Learn about more of our Jacobson colleagues by viewing past editions of our Employee Spotlight here. For monthly Employee Spotlights, follow our Facebook page. JOJO HARRIS Senior Vice President, Human Resources, 7 years at Jacobson Hometown: Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Alma Mater: Penn State (B.A. in accounting) and Loyola University Chicago (M.A. in human resources) Describe Your Role: I oversee all human resource functions for the firm. I lead a small but mighty team of HR professionals. Favorite Book: "The Road Less Traveled" by M. Scott Peck Jacobson in Three Words: Collaborative, Driven, Personal Last Song You Listened To: "Isn't She Lovely" by Rich Tolbert Jr. Favorite Thing About Working at Jacobson: The culture. It’s come as you are, be your full and unique self, and get the work done. One Thing That Recently Made You Smile: My adorable grandson, Sebastian How Do You Balance Your Career and Family? Some days I'm a great employee, some days I'm a family member. It typically doesn't happen on the same day. Random Fact: I love to sew! RACHEL MCCOLISTER Client Advisor, 6 months at Jacobson Hometown: Tampa, Florida Alma Mater: University of South Florida Describe Your Role: As a client advisor, I partner with clients who manage their contingent labor in an internal program, MSP or VMS environment. Favorite Dessert: Key lime pie Random Fact: I majored in creative writing. Weirdest Job You Ever Had: In college, I worked as a haunted house scare actor at an amusement park. Last Song You Listened To: "Break My Soul" by Beyoncé Favorite Think About Working at Jacobson: The people, hands down! One Thing That Recently Made You Smile: My nieces and nephew always keep me smiling. NIKKI ST.MARTIN Vice President, Marketing and Sales Enablement, 20.5 years at Jacobson Hometown: Midlothian, Illinois Alma Mater: Franklin College Describe Your Role: I lead the marketing, brand and sales support functions. In short, it’s my job to ensure Jacobson is engaging in the activities needed to increase brand awareness, strengthen our market position, and ultimately drive leads and conversions. Favorite Dessert: Tiramisu Jacobson in Three Words: Collaborative, Trustworthy, Family What Career Advice Would You Give to Your Younger Self? It’s okay to say “no.” There is only so much time in the day and priority needs to be given to high value activities.  Weirdest Job You Have Ever Had: Skateboard park attendant One Thing That Recently Made You Smile: Watching our goats play tag in the pasture Random Fact: I’m a jeep girl. There’s nothing better than driving my Jeep on a warm day with the top down and doors off. Favorite Thing About Working at Jacobson: The smart, creative people I get to work with day in and day out View our corporate careers page here. 

February 2023: Labor Market Pulse

The insurance labor market remains strong as realignment persists. Although the industry saw a slight decrease in jobs from December to January, revised numbers* from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show 2022 average monthly employment for the insurance carriers and related activities sector was 2.9 million – 74,350 more positions than previously reported. This annual BLS adjustment also slightly impacted wages, yet general trends remain similar. After reaching a 17-month high in December, the unemployment rate for insurance carriers and related activities dropped by more than one point in January. Additionally, job openings continue to be elevated; average monthly job openings for finance and insurance hit a record of 386,000 in 2022*, compared to 296,000 in 2021.  Insurers are continuing to determine their needs and expectations for moving forward. To learn more about the industry’s hiring outlook, join us February 9 for a complimentary webinar analyzing the results of our Q1 2023 Insurance Labor Market Study.   AT-A-GLANCE NUMBERS Unemployment for the insurance carriers and related activities sector decreased to 2.3% in January.  The insurance carriers and related activities sector lost 5,100 jobs in January. At roughly 2.9 million jobs, industry employment increased by approximately 44,400 jobs compared to January 2022. The U.S. unemployment rate decreased to 3.4% in January and the overall economy added 517,000 jobs. INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS On a year-to-year basis, December** insurance industry employment saw job increases in property and casualty (up 4.5%), agents/brokers (up 3.3%), TPAs (up 2.5%), reinsurance (up 2.4%), and life/health (up 1.1%). Meanwhile, job decreases were seen in claims (down 12.2%) and title (down 10%). On a year-to-year basis, December** saw weekly wage increases in property and casualty (up 11.4%), life/health (up 7.5%), title (up 7.1%), TPAs (up 4%), agents/brokers (up 3.9%) and reinsurance (up 1.9%). Meanwhile, wages decreased in claims (down 0.9%).       BLS Reported Adjustments: Adjusted employment numbers for December show the industry saw an increase of 5,100 jobs, compared to the previously reported increase of 3,800 jobs.** The BLS continues to revise numbers to be most accurate, which may contribute to inconsistencies, depending on when reports were pulled. *The BLS made its annual revisions on February 3, adjusting current employment statistics numbers for the past five years. **The BLS Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey report and reports on wages and employment for the industry category are only available for two months prior. The source for the data represented in PULSE is the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Insurance data is derived from the insurance carriers and related activities sector.