Technological change is reshaping the insurance workforce as companies accelerate automation adoption.
By 2030, automation could potentially replace 43% of tasks across the insurance sector, according to a recent report by Aon, which also found that 97% of insurers are actively accelerating automation initiatives. The study, titled Three Roles to Build Insurance’s Next-Generation Workforce, warns that insurers must rethink workforce strategies to remain competitive in an era defined by artificial intelligence, digital tools, and rapidly evolving business risks.
“Talent strategy is now a key driver of profitability,” the report notes. Insurers are increasingly competing for highly specialised skills in areas such as data analytics, cybersecurity, climate risk, and digital technology. Beyond technical capabilities, culture and employee value proposition (EVP) are proving crucial in attracting and retaining talent. The report highlights that 65% of candidates reportedly withdraw from recruitment processes due to unappealing EVP or workplace culture.
Aon identifies three emerging talent profiles that insurers should develop to future-proof their organisations:
| Talent Profile | Core Focus | Key Skills | Strategic Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reimagined Insurance Practitioners | Traditional roles like underwriters and actuaries | AI and digital proficiency, ESG or cyber expertise | Enhance operational efficiency and decision-making with technology |
| Industry Futurists | Translating complex risks into actionable business insights | Climate risk, cyber risk, predictive analytics | Drive innovation in product design and business planning |
| Change Orchestrators | Leading organisation-wide transformation | Workforce upskilling, process redesign, cultural change | Embed new ways of working and support talent mobility |
Demand for climate and ESG expertise is growing rapidly, but professionals with hybrid skills combining environmental knowledge with insurance expertise remain scarce.
Aon recommends that insurers align talent strategy with broader business objectives, implement data-driven workforce planning, and invest in reskilling programmes to secure sustainable growth. By cultivating these specialised talent profiles, insurers can not only mitigate the risks of automation but also harness it to innovate, enhance customer experience, and maintain a competitive edge.
As automation transforms operational models, the industry faces a critical juncture: those who successfully integrate technology with a forward-looking workforce strategy will likely emerge as market leaders.