When it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in insurance, the most important thing to learn is that there is always more to learn. (Credit: Bernice/Adobe Stock)
This was particularly true in recent years when so many insurance organizations invested more in their DEI efforts — pursuing new approaches to recruitment and talent development, entering new partnerships with nonprofits, and conducting equity assessments of workplace policies and employee compensation and benefits programs, for example.
The efforts put forth by this industry over the last decade are something we should all feel proud of. And yet, we must also recognize that our work in DEI will never be complete; progress in DEI should always compel us to do more.
Deconstructing DEI
DEI works most effectively as a system, and like every system, the first step is understanding its various component parts and how they work together.
Diversity is the presence of differences. Anything that makes one person unique from another and the multiple dimensions that make us who we are contribute to our diversity. Every person has various dimensions of diversity, and when we come together, those differences power innovation.
Equity, in a similar vein, is about ensuring all people have equal access to opportunity. It is about accepting that people face different headwinds, and creating a level playing field — fairness — is not only the right thing to do, it's also good for business.
Inclusion builds on both diversity and equity. Every day, in our interactions both large and small, we can create cultures of inclusion. By showing each other we value one another and our differences, by seeking to understand these differences, and by working to create an environment where everyone feels they belong, authentically, and that they can be successful.
These three concepts are equally important, so for us to continue to make progress moving forward, it's important we invest in all of them. The most beautiful of symphonies are a collection of distinct and different sounds. Harmony happens when they come together, which is far more impactful than any one instrument on its own. The same is true for DEI.
Unlocking the potential of DEI through allyship
Allyship is what unlocks the potential of DEI; it is an action that has the potential to change the trajectory of people's careers — and more broadly, it can change people's lives. The more that is demonstrated, the greater its impact becomes.
For the past 20 years, I have lived and worked in Chicago, but not exclusively in insurance. I have focused on human resources, communications and DEI across industries. And while I've worked hard, I know that's only part of what got me here. I've had great mentors and allies along the way; people whose opinions I trusted. People who didn't shy from telling me things I needed to hear, even if they were difficult, so I could continue growing in my career.
One of my mentors introduced me to insurance. She was a true ally for me; someone who opened doors and advocated for me. Someone who saw potential in me that I didn't see myself, and who pushed me to take on challenges I thought were outside my reach. After many years of working in the technology industry, I took the leap into insurance thanks to her.
At CNA Insurance, where I now work, allyship is a central part of our culture and it sits at the core of our DEI agenda. We stand with and for one another. We're always looking to ensure equal access to opportunity in our company programs, policies, and processes. And together, we are using allyship to increase diversity, at CNA and across the entire insurance industry, through an effort we call "Allies for Change."
This effort reinforces and seeks to build on the progress we've made, which has been made possible through specific efforts in areas like recruitment, mentoring and sponsorship. Together, we are working toward a more diverse, equitable and inclusive insurance industry. And together, we are always learning.
Moving forward
Just like CNA, the insurance industry has evolved to meet every moment and create a culture where colleagues are inspired to do their best work. Organizations like the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) play a key role in fostering and sustaining this momentum, providing networking opportunities and events like the IICF Regional Forums to help unify us and encourage us to collaborate, share ideas and multiply our impact.
Heather Giordano
In understanding the intersection of DEI, focusing on progress and acknowledging that this journey will always evolve, the insurance industry can continue to make strides toward the workforce of tomorrow with team members who feel encouraged, inspired and empowered.
Heather Giordano is senior vice president of human resources at CNA Insurance. Heather will be speaking at the IICF Midwest Forum in Chicago on June 6.
These opinions are the author's own.
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