Insurance professionals reveal impact of Covid-19 on mental health

A third of 336 Chartered Insurance Institute members polled online in January 2021 said their mental wellbeing had not been impacted by the pandemic and 7 per cent stated they were unsure if they were depressed or not.

To support insurance professionals with their mental health needs and to assist customers in vulnerable circumstances, the Chartered Insurance Institute’s insurance societies has produced good practice guidance (links below).

Keith Richards, Chief Membership Officer of the Chartered Insurance Institute, 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 consider 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.”

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