Why digitization could foster a more inclusive environment

In the ever-evolving insurance industry, digitization isn't merely about enhancing efficiency – it also holds the promise of fostering a more inclusive environment. Over the past few years, the increased emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) has reshaped organizational priorities. However, this emphasis hasn't been without its challenges. Just as insurance companies harness technology to manage risks, they can also leverage this digital boom to foster inclusivity and bridge these divides. 

But how do digital technologies intersect with the realm of DE&I pushback? To answer this, it's worth understanding the pushback against DE&I initiatives. Denial, disengagement, and derailment can happen when individuals feel that their self esteem, competence, or inherent goodness is under attack. To address these issues in the organization, technology can help relieve DE&I pushback in a few ways. 

Communication is truly key in this case. Digital platforms offer a way for clear, coherent, and consistent communication about why DE&I is essential. By using these platforms, companies can provide real-time updates, answer FAQs, and share success stories that illustrate the importance of inclusivity.   

Another way technology can relieve pushback is adaptive learning. Online training courses can educate employees about DE&I in a non-confrontational, self-paced manner. These courses can also be designed to acknowledge various perspectives, thereby reducing feelings of alienation. 

Utilizing tools such as digital platforms also enables real-time feedback. By encouraging dialogue between employees, insurance companies can identify potential drawbacks and address concerns straightaway which can minimize any feeling of disconnection within the work environment. 

At its core, DE&I is about ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, feels valued and respected. And while the pathway to DE&I may be tense with challenges, digital technologies in the insurance industry offer a way forward. They allow for a more reasonable system, a broader reach, and mechanisms to foster open communication.

As the insurance industry undergoes a digital makeover, it has a unique opportunity to integrate DE&I into its structure. The unification of digital transformation and DE&I isn't just about managing risk—it's about managing it in a manner that respects and values everyone's lived experiences.

Insurance companies can have the capacity to serve as a model for the workplace overall, but must embrace the potential of digitization not only for its working benefits but also for the profound societal impact it can have in creating a more inclusive world.