The workforce is not just changing; it has been transformed. The dynamic work environment is being shaped by labor and economic challenges, along with shifting workplace priorities as people expect elevated experiences in the office and in everyday interactions. Key conversations will revolve around the workforce, consumer experience and health and well-being.
Regardless of line of business, the way people learn and grow in their jobs is changing. Development is a valuable approach, going beyond training in preparing people for more than just the immediate requirements of work. Flexible learning encourages longer-term critical thinking, helps build resilience, and opens new pathways for growth.
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Beyond training: developing the workforce for today and tomorrow
Regardless of line of business, the way people learn and grow in their jobs is changing. Development is a valuable approach, going beyond training in preparing people for more than just the immediate requirements of work. Flexible learning encourages longer-term critical thinking, helps build resilience, and opens new pathways for growth.
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Beyond training: developing the workforce for today and tomorrow
Organizations are seeking new ways to manage costs and expectations — as well as build relationships and trust — in a market where expensive litigation persists, union influence is growing, and public opinion can shift in an instant. Nuclear verdicts show no sign of slowing down, especially in product liability, auto liability and medical liability cases; pressure continues to mount for organizations and insurers as third-party litigation financing increases the duration and complexity of litigated matters.
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Organizations are seeking new ways to manage costs and expectations — as well as build relationships and trust — in a market where expensive litigation persists, union influence is growing, and public opinion can shift in an instant. Nuclear verdicts show no sign of slowing down, especially in product liability, auto liability and medical liability cases; pressure continues to mount for organizations and insurers as third-party litigation financing increases the duration and complexity of litigated matters.
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Building a customer-centric approach has become increasingly important. It’s true across all lines of business, but specifically the insurance industry must invest in improving customer experiences, offering more accessible and user-friendly digital interfaces, exploring low- and no-touch claims automation, and enhancing communication channels with policyholders.
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Building a customer-centric approach has become increasingly important. It’s true across all lines of business, but specifically the insurance industry must invest in improving customer experiences, offering more accessible and user-friendly digital interfaces, exploring low- and no-touch claims automation, and enhancing communication channels with policyholders.
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Multiple generations of colleagues are learning and interacting in blended work environments ranging from fully remote to fully in-person. Connecting people to develop both skills and culture is essential amid changing demands. Yet, a split thought process has developed: while many employers are seeing benefits from bringing people back into workplaces for connection and communication, public opinion about protecting access to remote work has fundamentally shifted. We’re watching for the effect different precedents could have on liability, turnover and morale.
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Beyond training: developing the workforce for today and tomorrow
WC and ADA: challenges and best practices in employee accommodations
Multiple generations of colleagues are learning and interacting in blended work environments ranging from fully remote to fully in-person. Connecting people to develop both skills and culture is essential amid changing demands. Yet, a split thought process has developed: while many employers are seeing benefits from bringing people back into workplaces for connection and communication, public opinion about protecting access to remote work has fundamentally shifted. We’re watching for the effect different precedents could have on liability, turnover and morale.
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Beyond training: developing the workforce for today and tomorrow
WC and ADA: challenges and best practices in employee accommodations
As demographics change, the preference for more digital and bespoke offerings has become evident. We expect more movement toward transactional, embedded benefits and coverages for employees and consumers, including options like travel and medical coverage and voluntary benefits, as many try to streamline purchasing and protection.
Mental health is not only a more prevalent reason for temporary leaves of absence, but also what many cite as the reason for leaving their field or the workforce altogether — a truly concerning issue when considering sectors like healthcare and retail, which are heavily impacted by liability risks, burnout, violence and talent shortages.
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Targeting programs on another level: paths to improving workforce well-being and productivity
Mental health is not only a more prevalent reason for temporary leaves of absence, but also what many cite as the reason for leaving their field or the workforce altogether — a truly concerning issue when considering sectors like healthcare and retail, which are heavily impacted by liability risks, burnout, violence and talent shortages.
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Targeting programs on another level: paths to improving workforce well-being and productivity
Rising incidents of workplace violence, crime and terrorism are hurting individuals and operations in many areas of the world. Organizations are testing new ways to prevent violence, build resilience, and support people through intervention, support and accommodation programs.
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Escalations in workplace violence: implications for employers
Rising incidents of workplace violence, crime and terrorism are hurting individuals and operations in many areas of the world. Organizations are testing new ways to prevent violence, build resilience, and support people through intervention, support and accommodation programs.
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Escalations in workplace violence: implications for employers
We’re watching accessibility to healthcare and its potential impact on claims; physicians and nurses are leaving the workforce, yet there’s a growing need for additional skilled healthcare professionals as the population ages and develops more complex conditions. Case managers will take on a new level of importance in coordinating resources and assuring quality care.
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Short takes on industry trends, emerging issues and service enhancements
We’re watching accessibility to healthcare and its potential impact on claims; physicians and nurses are leaving the workforce, yet there’s a growing need for additional skilled healthcare professionals as the population ages and develops more complex conditions. Case managers will take on a new level of importance in coordinating resources and assuring quality care.
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Short takes on industry trends, emerging issues and service enhancements
Hiring and retaining talent will again be a top priority for the year, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts remain important to job seekers, which means having a strong and inclusive employer brand is critical. At the same time, businesses operating in some regions face potential public or political backlash for their DEI initiatives. How will employers do the right thing for both their people and their employment brands in 2024?
Within this dynamic environment shaped by labor changes and economic challenges, employers are recruiting in nontraditional ways and spaces. They are engaging in the outsourcing versus insourcing debate as they strategize the optimal use of talent and funds. Scalability through independent resources and flexible staffing remains a factor in staying nimble and responsive.
Pharmacy management faces both recurring and renewed debates as medical professionals, employers and claims administrators address trends in the mainstream, including the high cost of topical medications and physician dispensing, drug shortages, pricing negotiations, and regulatory changes and risks for marijuana and psychedelics.
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A shift in chronic migraine guidelines and its implications for treatment
Weight loss medications in workers’ compensation
Short takes on industry trends, emerging issues and service enhancements
Pharmacy management faces both recurring and renewed debates as medical professionals, employers and claims administrators address trends in the mainstream, including the high cost of topical medications and physician dispensing, drug shortages, pricing negotiations, and regulatory changes and risks for marijuana and psychedelics.
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A shift in chronic migraine guidelines and its implications for treatment
Weight loss medications in workers’ compensation
Short takes on industry trends, emerging issues and service enhancements
Insurers and policyholders have been faced with increasing claims volumes stemming from natural disasters, civil unrest and geopolitical developments. The insurance industry will focus on environmental impacts, coverage shifts and evolving risks.
The value of specialty expertise and scalability of resources becomes more evident as we look at the pattern of extreme weather events worldwide. Disasters like the Maui wildfires in Hawaii, devastating floods across Europe and more led to another year of record-setting loss costs in 2023 and underscored the urgent need for climate resiliency, including comprehensive disaster preparation, recovery strategies and claims processes. Tools and technology will enable our industry to stay responsive and resilient as we encounter this year’s events.
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How technology is transforming residential property claims
The dos and don’ts of auto catastrophe management
Tornadoes and resulting property loss: how to prepare
Managing a large and complex property fire claim
Swift and effective: responding to the Lismore flood catastrophe
The winds of change: a three-tiered approach to climate resiliency
The value of specialty expertise and scalability of resources becomes more evident as we look at the pattern of extreme weather events worldwide. Disasters like the Maui wildfires in Hawaii, devastating floods across Europe and more led to another year of record-setting loss costs in 2023 and underscored the urgent need for climate resiliency, including comprehensive disaster preparation, recovery strategies and claims processes. Tools and technology will enable our industry to stay responsive and resilient as we encounter this year’s events.
Learn more:
How technology is transforming residential property claims
The dos and don’ts of auto catastrophe management
Tornadoes and resulting property loss: how to prepare
Managing a large and complex property fire claim
Swift and effective: responding to the Lismore flood catastrophe
The winds of change: a three-tiered approach to climate resiliency
Secondary losses such as severe storms, fires and tornadoes are driving an increasing percentage of CAT losses, creating uncertainty in capacity. These losses are difficult to model and pose coverage, pricing and reinsurance challenges, particularly in the current market. Underwriting partnerships between carriers and claims administrators, established through shared use of data and advanced analytics, may be one way to help weather the cycle.
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Secondary CAT losses are on the rise: what does this mean for policyholders and carriers?
Secondary losses such as severe storms, fires and tornadoes are driving an increasing percentage of CAT losses, creating uncertainty in capacity. These losses are difficult to model and pose coverage, pricing and reinsurance challenges, particularly in the current market. Underwriting partnerships between carriers and claims administrators, established through shared use of data and advanced analytics, may be one way to help weather the cycle.
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Secondary CAT losses are on the rise: what does this mean for policyholders and carriers?
Insured organizations are facing increased premiums, reduced capacity and restricted terms and conditions; in tough regions of the U.S. like Florida and California, for example, it is harder for consumers to get property insurance coverage at all. Risk managers must consider alternatives such as increased retentions, captives and mitigation measures.
With projections of the hard market persisting for multiple years, we expect an uptick in utilization of captives to give organizations more leverage and options. Captives can be used for taking on more risk, building up cash, unlocking options like reinsurance and quota share, considering deductible buydown, allocating funds between divisions, and generally providing flexibility amid tough market conditions. Those considering captives may find feasibility studies helpful.
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With projections of the hard market persisting for multiple years, we expect an uptick in utilization of captives to give organizations more leverage and options. Captives can be used for taking on more risk, building up cash, unlocking options like reinsurance and quota share, considering deductible buydown, allocating funds between divisions, and generally providing flexibility amid tough market conditions. Those considering captives may find feasibility studies helpful.
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Risk engineering — anticipating, identifying, managing, and minimizing risk exposures — will be particularly important this year, whether taking on your own risk or looking to optimize access to insurance markets. Consulting with specialists, analyzing data, sharing reports, and showing how you’ve followed through with risk recommendations in areas from environmental factors to ergonomics tells shareholders and underwriters you’re serious about loss prevention and safety.
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The winds of change: a three-tiered approach to climate resiliency
Risk engineering — anticipating, identifying, managing, and minimizing risk exposures — will be particularly important this year, whether taking on your own risk or looking to optimize access to insurance markets. Consulting with specialists, analyzing data, sharing reports, and showing how you’ve followed through with risk recommendations in areas from environmental factors to ergonomics tells shareholders and underwriters you’re serious about loss prevention and safety.
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The winds of change: a three-tiered approach to climate resiliency
In many parts of the world, aging infrastructure is creating increased risk, and there is likely to be a focus on what can be done to pre-empt such issues. One example, the UK’s concrete crisis, highlights infrastructure vulnerabilities and remediation requirements; buildings are being declared unsound and requiring expensive, lengthy repairs after decades of construction using cheap, fast concrete production methods. Engineers, consultants and construction experts may have a busy year ahead.
Electric vehicle production and utilization continue to surge, creating opportunities for innovation and climate impact, as well as a need for infrastructure upgrades and regulatory structure. At the same time, the pace of change is causing disruptions in traditional auto industries and raising concerns about supply chain, repair, recalls and security.
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Crash course on autonomous and electric vehicles
Electric vehicle production and utilization continue to surge, creating opportunities for innovation and climate impact, as well as a need for infrastructure upgrades and regulatory structure. At the same time, the pace of change is causing disruptions in traditional auto industries and raising concerns about supply chain, repair, recalls and security.
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Crash course on autonomous and electric vehicles
Experts predict a supply chain shift away from global flows to a more regional network of buyers and suppliers seeking out locally sourced goods, reducing reliance on foreign entities, minimizing cycle time and increasing transparency. In a world filled with real-time tracking, we anticipate artificial intelligence (AI) will play a larger role in supply chain management.
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Evolution of the supply chain and a shift to secondary suppliers
Experts predict a supply chain shift away from global flows to a more regional network of buyers and suppliers seeking out locally sourced goods, reducing reliance on foreign entities, minimizing cycle time and increasing transparency. In a world filled with real-time tracking, we anticipate artificial intelligence (AI) will play a larger role in supply chain management.
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Evolution of the supply chain and a shift to secondary suppliers
Organizations across all industries continue to face shifts in the global economy, market conditions and regulatory requirements. In the current market, organizations are considering not just compliance factors, but also brand and reputational challenges. Brands will focus on strategies related to regulation, readiness and reputation.
Compliance questions remain constant in most industry sectors and lines of business. We expect them to intensify in an election year across many countries as new leaders make their marks. The patchwork of local, national and global regulation continues to impact product recalls, disability and leave programs, workers’ compensation, legal services and beyond. We’re tracking the impact of consumer duty regulations in the UK and growing calls for privacy and AI-related oversight, as they impose new requirements on the care of customers and their data.
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Short takes on industry trends, emerging issues and service enhancements
Compliance questions remain constant in most industry sectors and lines of business. We expect them to intensify in an election year across many countries as new leaders make their marks. The patchwork of local, national and global regulation continues to impact product recalls, disability and leave programs, workers’ compensation, legal services and beyond. We’re tracking the impact of consumer duty regulations in the UK and growing calls for privacy and AI-related oversight, as they impose new requirements on the care of customers and their data.
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Short takes on industry trends, emerging issues and service enhancements
Fraud, waste and abuse are subject to oversight and directives from local and regional regulators, but also have become a greater concern for financial stewardship during times of economic uncertainty. Technology may be the biggest factor in maintaining vigilance and compliance, but without human insight, support and understanding of regional nuances, organizations will not be able to fully address risks to the integrity of their finances and brands.
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Preventing a crisis from being an insurance fraudster’s paradise
Fraud, waste and abuse are subject to oversight and directives from local and regional regulators, but also have become a greater concern for financial stewardship during times of economic uncertainty. Technology may be the biggest factor in maintaining vigilance and compliance, but without human insight, support and understanding of regional nuances, organizations will not be able to fully address risks to the integrity of their finances and brands.
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Preventing a crisis from being an insurance fraudster’s paradise
As organizations take a complete look at their ESG programs this year, they’ll seek new ways to reduce their carbon impact in pursuit of net zero goals, and they will also be faced with new regulatory and reporting requirements. Business ethics, data protection and security, and customer privacy management — within organizations and throughout their linked supply chains — will also impact the year’s plans, factoring into decisions about governance policies and liability coverage, as well as professional and public perceptions.
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Global shipping emissions present new challenges and emerging solutions across New Zealand
Short takes on industry trends, emerging issues and service enhancements
As organizations take a complete look at their ESG programs this year, they’ll seek new ways to reduce their carbon impact in pursuit of net zero goals, and they will also be faced with new regulatory and reporting requirements. Business ethics, data protection and security, and customer privacy management — within organizations and throughout their linked supply chains — will also impact the year’s plans, factoring into decisions about governance policies and liability coverage, as well as professional and public perceptions.
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Global shipping emissions present new challenges and emerging solutions across New Zealand
Short takes on industry trends, emerging issues and service enhancements
Across regions, calls for climate-related financial disclosures are changing alongside climate-related risks. They say what gets measured gets managed; in this case, we’ll see more emphasis on sustainability practices, resiliency and due diligence as enterprises of all sizes navigate the green energy transition and maintain progress toward net zero.
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Short takes on industry trends, emerging issues and service enhancements
The winds of change: a three-tiered approach to climate resiliency
Across regions, calls for climate-related financial disclosures are changing alongside climate-related risks. They say what gets measured gets managed; in this case, we’ll see more emphasis on sustainability practices, resiliency and due diligence as enterprises of all sizes navigate the green energy transition and maintain progress toward net zero.
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Short takes on industry trends, emerging issues and service enhancements
The winds of change: a three-tiered approach to climate resiliency
AI is just one example, but its rapid adoption illustrates reputational risks firms could encounter during the implementation of next-gen technology. What happens if AI built on lower-quality data leads to faulty results? How will firms navigate the varying approaches to AI ethics and regulation? Legislation may take shape in regional rules (pay attention to the EU’s AI Act) as well as sector-specific guidance for industries like medical devices and consumer products. Mishandling of data or lapses in compliance could lead to poor customer service, violations, fines and brand mistrust.
It’s important to understand the anatomy of a product recall and to prepare all levels of your organization and process. From elevating brand conversations at the executive level to understanding the depths of your supply chain, connection will be critical to maintaining transparency and flexibility. Challenges ahead include managing the complexities of the recall landscape, the long tail of recalls and the challenges of secondary markets.
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2023 was a record-breaking year for European product recalls
U.S. product recalls reach seven-year high in 2023
Counterfeiting poses growing threat to European manufacturers
Applesauce recalls may spur change in food contamination regulations
It’s important to understand the anatomy of a product recall and to prepare all levels of your organization and process. From elevating brand conversations at the executive level to understanding the depths of your supply chain, connection will be critical to maintaining transparency and flexibility. Challenges ahead include managing the complexities of the recall landscape, the long tail of recalls and the challenges of secondary markets.
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2023 was a record-breaking year for European product recalls
U.S. product recalls reach seven-year high in 2023
Counterfeiting poses growing threat to European manufacturers
Applesauce recalls may spur change in food contamination regulations
The imperative for cyber readiness remains intense, with organizations emphasizing the growing importance of prevention efforts, coverage calibration and post-event planning in the face of escalating data breaches and cyber threats. Human factors training is critical; you can put controls in place, but it’s people who make the difference.
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Cyber business interruption claims: the unique challenges of the digital realm
The imperative for cyber readiness remains intense, with organizations emphasizing the growing importance of prevention efforts, coverage calibration and post-event planning in the face of escalating data breaches and cyber threats. Human factors training is critical; you can put controls in place, but it’s people who make the difference.
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Cyber business interruption claims: the unique challenges of the digital realm
The combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and integrated data has had a profound influence across industries and will continue to make waves as it reshapes work dynamics, interpersonal interactions and cognitive processes. Organizations will adapt as economic and geopolitical developments affect global risks, alliances and trade. Conversations will surround topics related to technology, productivity and partnership.
As generative AI evolves, its integration reshapes work dynamics, interpersonal interactions and cognitive processes. With the expansion of AI into seemingly everything, ethical considerations remain, and responsible AI use — as well as its ability to support humans rather than replace them — is important for cultivating trust, ensuring safety, and eliminating bias. Policies must be updated to safeguard data and promote conscientious AI utilization.
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As generative AI evolves, its integration reshapes work dynamics, interpersonal interactions and cognitive processes. With the expansion of AI into seemingly everything, ethical considerations remain, and responsible AI use — as well as its ability to support humans rather than replace them — is important for cultivating trust, ensuring safety, and eliminating bias. Policies must be updated to safeguard data and promote conscientious AI utilization.
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Data scientists continue to prove their value; data is telling us richer stories each year, especially as new sources of information are integrated with existing processes. Application programming interfaces (APIs) are providing tangible connections and opening new possibilities for speeding up processes, informing models and decisions, and enhancing business intelligence. How can you use data to gain a more comprehensive view of your competitive market, your total risk or your options in various scenarios, such as medical provider decisions or attorney and litigation outcomes?
In the continued transformation of quality initiatives, claims professionals are getting more support through the integration of live data and instant feedback. Not only can data guide decisions and provide greater transparency, but it can also help identify trends and drive improvement in outcomes. Watch this year as automated auditing, real-time monitoring and risk-based analysis become part of the quality conversation.
Concerns around recession and uncertainties in labor markets are giving corporations and insurance carriers a reason to watch expenses and consider outside staffing or resource solutions — not just for surge situations such as catastrophes, but to maintain service levels for everyday claims and loss adjusting coverage. In cases where organizations are exploring an outsourced or blended approach, it’s critical to build partnerships around service — custom-designed, flexible, culturally aligned and well supported through technology.
With global shifts in power, attitudes, agreements, ambitions and opportunities, geopolitical risks weigh heavily on many organizations. Care and continuity for employees in volatile regions is a global concern, as is property damage caused by war, terrorism and political violence. As we anticipate how turmoil and change will be reflected in economic markets, trade policies and politics, we’ll also continue to watch the insurance industry’s response. Will the global coverage gap continue to increase? Will new categories of risk emerge?
Resilience and preparedness are necessary in the face of uncertainty. As economic trends impact claim turnaround times, productivity and financial performance, it’s important to strengthen cost-control strategies, as well as explore the ways technology, partnerships and alternative risk management options can put your organization in a better position to respond.
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Resilience and preparedness are necessary in the face of uncertainty. As economic trends impact claim turnaround times, productivity and financial performance, it’s important to strengthen cost-control strategies, as well as explore the ways technology, partnerships and alternative risk management options can put your organization in a better position to respond.
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2024 is the year to move beyond the routine: to interact in new ways and seek added value within partnerships. It’s a year to engage, whether through in-person, intentional gatherings, strategy sessions and trainings, or virtual collectives. It’s a time to break down silos and hierarchies, remove roadblocks, encourage collaboration, and connect for new ideas.
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