Consultants believe the insurance industry could keep faith in a remote and flexible workforce – both as a short-term solution to social distancing requirements and as long-term transformation.

As COVID-19 lockdown measures are rolled back, industry insiders have expressed concerns about inadequate floorspace, public transport restrictions, and access to lifts.

Solutions could include a continuation of home-working, or split workforces and staggered starts.

Deloitte Partner Michael Williams told insuranceNEWS.com.au industry players with a two-track approach will secure a crucial competitive advantage.

The insurance industry should be “very cautious” when assessing the risks of a return to the office, he says.

But COVID-19 has also brought an opportunity for organisations to “rethink the future of work” to secure cost savings, accelerate transformation, and access greater diversity of talent.

A KMPG report published last week also predicts that the “rapid and large-scale shift” to remote working could be permanent.

“Working remotely during the coronavirus crisis has quickly become the new norm, and one that won’t dissipate quickly – rather, remote working (both part-time and full-time) will rise across all industries,” it says.

See Analysis.