Best Insurance Companies to Work for in Australia and New Zealand | Top Insurance Employers
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Enabling excellence
Insurance Business recognizes the Top Insurance Employers of 2024, spotlighting a robust roster of Australian and New Zealand companies that have earned their employees’ loyalty by providing inclusive and rewarding work environments.
IB invited firms across Australia and New Zealand to participate by completing an employer form outlining their various offerings and practices. Then, hundreds of those companies’ employees completed anonymous forms evaluating their workplace.
The best insurance companies to work for exceed employee expectations across various metrics, evidenced by high levels of satisfaction in the following areas:
positive workplace culture
safe work environment
employee engagement
career development
diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
Each leading insurance company has been rated as a top workplace by its respective teams. The following four organisations exemplify the factors contributing to their prestigious recognition.
Best-in-class strategies and initiatives of the top insurance employers
Employee satisfaction rating: 83% | Top rated for team building and social activities
A vibrant culture is paramount at HDI, connecting employees and the industry with the passion and enthusiasm for which it has become known.
“My philosophy is to create a sense of unity and purpose that enriches the environment and influences how our team engages with our business partners and each other,” says head of HDI Global Asia-Pacific and managing director Stefan Feldmann. “It’s about building relationships for genuine understanding and mutual benefit.”
People are central to HDI’s business strategy, and the company backs up that philosophy by:
offering an annual all-staff kick-off and team-building session
regular wellness and health check-ins and monthly events, including a traditional German Wandertag (walk in nature)
valuing its employees, the company’s history, and their future together
“Investing in employee wellbeing, professional growth and a culture of recognition underscores our commitment to maintaining a motivated and engaged workforce”
Stefan FeldmannHDI Global SE, Australia
IB’s employee respondents praised the company for:
Employee satisfaction rating: 84% | Top rated for work-life balance
Employees are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work in a safe, judgment-free environment.
“The team members are treated as the adults that they are, and this engenders trust – in me as their leader and in them as the team members,” says COO Danielle Brookbanks. “This is a safe environment where judgment and politics are banned. We have had staff acknowledge that it makes a real difference to them that we view them as people, not just employees.”
NZbrokers Management has earned its industry-leading status by promoting genuine flexibility and allowing staff to manage their workday as they see fit, as well as:
“We strive to promote internally, where possible, and have promoted several employees to move them through their career pathways, despite being a relatively small team”
Danielle BrookbanksNZbrokers Management
Employees highlighted the top insurance employer’s strengths:
“Small enough to care for each employee and support them on a personal level.”
“Our managers and employees trust and respect each other and have a shared commitment to individual and company success.”
“We have an inclusive, honest and open in-office culture.”
Employee satisfaction rating: 92% | Top rated for valuing and appreciating employees
By winning the top insurance employer award for the third consecutive year, the company rewards its employees with a day off, showcasing IQumulate’s employee-centric strategy.
“We’re transparent and open, and our strategy is about people, continually focusing on what we can do differently to keep people engaged and how we can enrich staff members’ experience,” says Tricia Kopka, head of operations and process improvement.
Guided by a philosophy of continuous improvement, the top insurance employer stands out for prioritising:
a courteous and respectful work environment
real-time recognition through various online platforms and in person
agility and willingness to evolve within the dynamic insurance landscape
online flexible learning and adopt-a-colleague program
“We’re focused on our people, and we’re always striving to review and refine our policies, celebrating the wins and not being afraid to talk about the failings”
Tricia KopkaIQumulate Premium Funding
Survey participants lauded the company for the following qualities:
“[Being] always on the lookout to promote people from within the ranks.”
“Understanding that long-term goals can be achieved but allowing for a mix of strategic and ad-hoc plans along the way.”
“[Having] a genuine intent to strive to improve.”
Employee satisfaction rating: 85% | Top rated for diversity and inclusion
With a focus and dedication to fostering an open, flexible, trusted, and respectful culture, the top insurance employer celebrates diversity, ensures inclusion, encourages challenge, and holds everyone accountable.
In addition to its corporate policies, AXA XL periodically rotates the volunteer members of its dedicated inclusion and diversity (I&D) committee to encourage an influx of fresh ideas.
“The group is passionate about keeping abreast of all I&D challenges and advancements, and organises regular educational sessions, inviting external speakers to share their stories and insights,” says Catherine Carlyon, country leader for Australia.
The following initiatives complement this outstanding commitment:
involvement with global internal business resource groups for individual minority groups, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQI communities
hosting various initiatives throughout the year, focusing on climate change, sustainability, and charitable work, including a Global Day of Giving
training and mentoring programs
“Our employees are our biggest asset, and we are passionate about developing their skills and helping them reach their full potential”
Catherine CarlyonAXA XL
Respondents also gave high marks to AXA XL for:
The best insurance companies have employees’ top needs covered
According to employee respondents, the three most important employer offerings are:
1. vacation leave
2. flexible work options
3. sick leave
At HDI, employees can build diverse and exciting careers reflecting the changes in their personal lives.
Becoming a parent is a significant life event, and HDI supports employees by providing benefits that enable a successful transition to life as a working parent by:
In addition, HDI has arranged a 20% discount at fertility centres nationwide, where employees also have access to a wealth of free resources, including confidential mini consultations at no cost, ensuring they have valuable information and support throughout their fertility journey.
For NZbrokers Management, its leaders don’t think about a whole day or even half a day’s sick leave, for example. Its approach is based on hours worked, allowing employees to take time off when needed from their sick or annual leave programs.
“We continue to look for ways to support staff in their homes and work lives, as we know that, ultimately, if someone is happy and healthy in all facets of their life, then it is better for the company and the people within it,” Brookbanks says.
Employees at IQumulate Premium Funding can take advantage of additional leave with a program called Take Five, which grants extra paid days beginning the second year of service.
Promoting a supportive and flexible work environment that helps alleviate employee stress is paramount as management strives to accommodate employee requests for increased flexibility.
Kopka says, “Our mindset is to think about what we can do to make that happen.” She adds that outlook also applies to staff who need sick time or care for a family member.
AXA XL continues to offer a hybrid work environment with an expectation of two to three days in the office. Employees are encouraged to discuss and agree on any ongoing exceptions to the guidance.
The company believes this strikes the right balance between flexibility, allowing efficient time on tasks without distractions, and being physically present with colleagues to benefit from collaboration and learning opportunities.
“Every colleague’s personal situation is different and unique,” says Carlyon. “We encourage everyone to be open, discuss and communicate their needs with their managers and colleagues so we can both thrive as a business and support each other.”
Scroll down to see the list of the best insurance companies to work for and read some of the award winners’ profiles.
Less than 100 employees
Amicus Brokers
Austbrokers Comsure
Bridges Insurance Services
CCM Insurance Group
DUAL New Zealand
Fast Cover Travel Insurance
Frank Risk Management
FTA Insurance
Holman Webb Lawyers
Interlink Insurance Brokers
Maxton Insurance Brokers
MNC Actuaries
RIVAL Wealth
Simplex Insurance Solutions
Solution Underwriting Agency
YDR Loss Adjusters
Zurich New Zealand
100–499 employees
ARC Projects
BizCover
DUAL Australia
Helia
Honey Insurance
McLardy McShane Group
Open Insurance Technologies
PetSure
Sedgwick New Zealand
500–999 employees
