Belonging in the insurance industry

Gemma Robinson, people and culture director of AND-E, shares how she was made to feel like she truly belonged at AND-E when she was offered a promotion when she was heavily pregnant and about to go on maternity leave.

“It felt like a really big thing for me,” she said. “I was made to feel completely comfortable in that decision. I was encouraged and told not to worry. They would wait for me. That was a standout moment.”

Erik Johnson, head of technical underwriting and oversight at Markel and a founding board member of Inclusion@Lloyd’s, shared how he first felt a sense of belonging when he went from being the old boy in ballet and Highland dancing classes to being accepted to Canada’s National Ballet School for the summer.

He said: “It was a transformative experience. Being around other teenage boys who were doing the exact same thing as you.”

The pair share practical steps companies can take to ensure employees not only feel welcome but also valued, plus how to build belonging in a hybrid or remote workplace, where physical connection is limited.

The role leadership and allyship can play in helping insurance employees feel they belong is also discussed.

Johnson also shared how while there are peaks and troughs in diversity and inclusion work, a focus on belonging is important.

He said: “The term ‘belonging’ is a great evolution from when it was just diversity. I could feel included in a room, because I have been invited, but sometimes we’ve all been to events where: do you feel like you belong there?”

To download the episode, go to your podcast provider of choice (Apple, Google, Samsung, Spotify, Audible, etc) and search for Insurance Post.