Demand for technical staff in the insurance industry is expected to increase this quarter as many insurers begin their digital transformations, according to Hays.

Gender diversity remains a concern in the industry, and a potential influx of global insurers to the Australian life insurance scene may be a catalyst for much-needed new talent, the employment agency’s September-quarter report says.

Increased scrutiny of life insurance has driven demand for specialists to work on strategic projects such as claims transformation.

“We are seeing an increased demand for senior business analysts who have in-depth knowledge of the life insurance industry and claims management experience,” Hays says. “They are ultimately responsible for transforming the way the market handles claims to enhance the experience of the customer.”

Experienced life insurance assessors are in high demand, especially those who have worked in allied health or have allied health degrees, as are workers’ compensation claims assessors with a health background.

The growth of group insurance has created demand for claims support officers, while catastrophes continue to cause headcount fluctuation in home and contents insurance.

Experienced home and contents claims consultants are expected to be in demand, as are customer service representatives, as general insurers become more client-focused.

Employers should be willing to give employees flexible working options, given the shortage of candidates, Hays says.