New research reveals insurance professionals rank mental health as the most pressing cultural issue that needs to be addressed within the industry, followed by gender equity.

Four out of five of those surveyed in Australia nominated mental health as top of the list of things to fix, a Dive In spokeswoman told insuranceNEWS.com.au, while globally a survey of more than 20,500 industry professionals found 68% nominated mental health as the most pertinent issue the insurance industry needs to focus on.

Globally, next came gender equity, at 42%, while a third nominated racial equity and 30% family/carer support.

The insurance industry’s 2022 diversity and inclusion festival, now in its eighth year, centered on the theme Building Braver Cultures.

More than 150 events took place across at least 40 countries over three days last week.

In Australia, the top four survey result rankings were as follows: mental health (79%), gender equity (45%), physical health & wellbeing (36%), family & carers support (28%).

Organisers say plenty more changes are needed to improve insurance culture, with less than half of those polled believing the industry is more diverse and inclusive than when the festival started.

A majority of 2022 attendees were first-timers at the festival.

"There is still work to be done to ensure everyone is aware of the role they can play in improving D&I within their organisations,” Dive In said.

Deputy Chairman of Lloyd’s and Aon Global Chairman of Reinsurance Solutions Dominic Christian says it is "more important than ever that we help promote the importance of building braver cultures that allow everyone to feel safe and able to be their authentic selves”.

Aviva CEO Amanda Blanc says there is a long way to go before the industry is truly diverse.

“There is no agenda more important and the Dive In festival contributes greatly to a safer and more inclusive insurance industry,” she said.

Local Dive In sessions in Australia and New Zealand attended by insuranceNEWS.com.au addressed a wide range of cultural issues, from hybrid work models, to neurodiversity, to poor rates of cultural representation.

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