Industry sponsors supporting awareness include Jewelers Mutual®, Farmers Insurance, AGIA Affinity, CX Insurance Services and Combined Ratio Solutions
The Independence Hub, a non-profit organization committed to creating opportunities for neurodivergent professionals in the insurance industry, recently announced its 2024 Roadshow, aimed at raising awareness for neurodivergent individuals seeking fulfilling careers in the insurance sector.
The Roadshow is part of the organization’s broader mission to advocate for, educate and create employment solutions for neurodivergent individuals, including those with Autism, ADHD and PTSD. The organization recognizes the immense potential within the neurodivergent community and aims to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity in the insurance industry.
The Independence Hub seeks to make the insurance industry aware of three simple facts: 1) 20% of the population is neurodivergent; 2) 80% of neurodivergent adults are under- or unemployed; 3) the industry could lose 400,000 insurance professionals through attrition by 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Key activities of The Independence Hub’s 2024 Roadshow include:
- Presenting Basic Neurodiversity Education: Creating awareness and understanding of neurodiversity within the insurance industry.
- Reinforcing the Need for Neurodivergent Talent: Highlighting the positive impact neurodivergent professionals can have on the insurance sector and how their unique perspectives contribute to business success.
- Sharing Success Stories: Showcasing real-life success stories of neurodivergent insurance professionals to inspire and motivate others.
- Advocacy and Education: Providing information and resources to support neurodivergent individuals in their career pursuits within the insurance industry.
“We know neurodivergent brains can excel in insurance and we look forward to helping the insurance industry find, attract and cultivate neurodivergent talent through awareness, job creation and advocacy,” said Mike Eagan, Executive Director at The Independence Hub.
“The 8020 Project puts all those pieces together by collecting and sharing personal stories of neurodivergent insurance professionals. Neurodiversity can be an intimidating and confusing topic.
We think hearing directly from colleagues will accelerate adoption of task-based interviews, manager training, and flexible work environments.”
The Independence Hub’s Roadshow will target local, regional, and national industry events through exhibits, speaking engagements, and seminars. Jewelers Mutual®, a leading insurer dedicated to protecting jewelry and jewelry businesses since 1913, joins AGIA Affinity and Combined Ratio Solutions as Platinum sponsors of the Roadshow.
“We believe that diversity fuels innovation, and we support fostering an inclusive environment that leverages the unique talents and strengths of neurodivergent individuals to shape the industry’s future,” said Mike Alexander, Chief Operating Officer at Jewelers Mutual.
The Independence Hub invites all stakeholders in the insurance industry to join them in their mission. For more information on the Roadshow schedule of events and how to get involved, please visit TheIndependenceHub.org or contact Mike Eagan at [email protected].
ABOUT THE INDEPENDENCE HUB
The Independence Hub (TIH) is a not-for-profit corporation that makes it easier for the insurance industry to support and hire neurodivergent talent through awareness, jobs, and advocacy. About 20% of the population is neurodivergent, meaning “not typical” in cognition and often behavior. As educators improve outcomes for neurodivergent students, too many Autistic, ADHD, and Dyslexic college students end up on their parents’ couch when they graduate, as 80% of neurodivergent (ND) adults are under or unemployed. In insurance, neurodivergent actuaries, quality assurance professionals, and producers have quietly delivered for years by employing personal workarounds or finding patient managers. TIH makes leaders aware that insurance depends on neurodivergent talent and offers a jobs program driven by higher rates of productivity and retention among neurodivergent talent. In addition to working with employers, TIH advocates for neurodivergent professionals through NTA, the only trade association for neurodivergent insurance professionals. To learn more, visit TheIndependenceHub.org.
ABOUT JEWELERS MUTUAL GROUP
Jewelers Mutual was founded in 1913 by a group of Wisconsin jewelers to meet their unique insurance needs. Later, consumers began putting their trust in Jewelers Mutual to protect their jewelry and the special memories each piece holds. Today, Jewelers Mutual continues to support and move the industry forward by listening to jewelers and consumers and offering products and services to meet their evolving needs. Beyond insurance, Jewelers Mutual’s powerful suite of innovative solutions and digital technology offerings help jewelers strengthen and grow their businesses, mitigate risk, and bring them closer to their customers. The Group insurers’ strong financial position is reflected in their 37 consecutive “A+ Superior” ratings from AM Best Company, as of November 2023. Policyholders of the Group insurers are members of Jewelers Mutual Holding Company. Jewelers Mutual is headquartered in Neenah, Wisconsin, with other Group offices in Dallas, Texas and Miami, Florida. To learn more, visit JewelersMutual.com.
