About 79% of life insurance professionals are experiencing more job stress since work from home arrangements started in late March because of the pandemic, according to research from the Australasian Life Underwriting and Claims Association (ALUCA).

Before COVID-19, only 23% felt this way about work pressure.

Roughly 40% believe their mental health has worsened since the pandemic, while 17% say it is better. A similar percentage say nothing has changed for them.

Despite the numbers reporting increased stress, 98% say they want to continue working from home, with 58% expressing a preference to have this option for a few days a week and 25% want to do it full-time.

ALUCA says the research findings highlight the need for insurers to focus on the challenges faced by employees as work from home arrangements are set to be the “new” normal.

“It is important that action is taken to reduce the high level of people experiencing work stress and poor wellbeing in the life insurance sector,” Deputy Chairman Matt Paul said. “We know how important wellbeing is and the harmful impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health.

“The cost of not understanding employees’ emotional wellbeing can create subtle but profound effects upon organisational success and health.”