The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance has won industry support for a national survey to identify trends in recruitment, skill shortages and staff retention.

The Careers in Insurance Survey will question human resources executives and senior management.

CEO Prue Willsford hopes it will capture “industry trends, practices and areas of concern”. 

“There has long been talk about the industry’s struggles attracting, developing and retaining staff,” Ms Willsford said. “This is the first stage of an initiative that will help us determine whether there really are areas related to working in insurance that need our attention.”

Zurich Australia CEO Daniel Fogarty, a long-time supporter of the need for the industry to attract high-quality staff, has appealed for key managers to back the initiative by completing the survey.

“Insurance is one of the most vital parts of the Australian economy,” he said. “We need to continue to attract high-calibre candidates, train them well and develop them for the future needs of the industry.”

The Insurance Council of Australia and the National Insurance Brokers Association have also backed the research. 

ANZIIF is contacting relevant managers with the survey today. Others wishing to participate can email customerservice@theinstitute.com.au.