Context
An online poll hosted by the CII in January 2021 received 336 responses when asking insurance professionals about the impact of Covid-19 on their mental wellbeing.
To support insurance professionals with their mental health needs and to assist customers in vulnerable circumstances, the CII’s insurance societies has produced good practice guidance which can be found here:
https://www.sib.org.uk/media/10124973/sib-mental-health-gpg.pdf;
https://www.socp.org.uk/media/10125197/socp-mental-health-gpg.pdf;
https://www.socup.org.uk/media/10124975/socup-mental-health-gpg.pdf
Key points to note
- Almost six out of 10 insurance professionals suffered depression, anxiety, emotional distress or another mental health condition during the Covid-19 pandemic.
- 112 of the 336 CII members polled said that their mental wellbeing had not been impacted by the pandemic
- 7% stated they were unsure if they were depressed or not
Keith Richards, Chief Membership Officer of the CII, said:
“Insurance plays a vital role in the lives of billions of people around the world and has the power to transform lives and businesses. In 2020, Covid-19 impacted every customer served by the insurance profession resulting in a dramatic increase in the number of customers in vulnerable circumstances.
“It is vital the insurance profession puts themselves in their customers’ shoes and considers how they would wish to be treated if they had mental ill-health. However, you can only help others if you also look after your own mental health.
“With the increase of remote working, many people may feel isolated or under more pressure combining work with their personal responsibilities. We urge insurance professionals to find out what support and resources their employers offer.
“There is also a growing number of free online resources that can offer effective measures of support. Good mental health in the workplace is as important as physical health and safety.”
Further resources
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has reiterated that protection of home workers is a key area of concern, it has provided resources for employers which can be found here: https://www.hse.gov.uk/toolbox/workers/home.htm?utm_source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=coronavirus&utm_term=covid-updates-homeworkers&utm_content=covid-4-feb-21#stress-mental-health. The HSE also provides advice on lone working without supervision, display screen equipment and stress & mental health.