Women bring a lot to agencies, no matter their role.
Most women in insurance feel like their contributions are recognized – 70% of frontline staff feel that the leadership in their agency recognizes them for their contributions.
However, that leaves roughly one in three frontline staff who feel their contributions are not recognized. Women in frontline staff roles listed loyalty and appreciation as the most important priorities for women in independent agencies.
When asked about their experiences in agencies, women pointed out that often, the things that go unnoticed are the things that keep the agency running and make it a great place to work but don’t necessarily result in big sales numbers.
“In many cases, women are the backbone of the agency,” wrote one producer.
“I think sometimes our work goes unnoticed because it is the bottom-of-the-line things that everyone takes for granted,” wrote another survey respondent.
“It’s not always about money,” wrote another. “Longevity, loyalty, mentorship should all be honored and recognized.”
Attitudes about women
While nearly 90% of agency owners and principals feel they receive the credibility from peers and staff they deserve, many still reported feeling like they had to work harder than their male peers to prove themselves.
“I have been a leader in my agency for the last eight years in some capacity,” wrote a 57-year-old COO. “Even now, I am often asked if my male boss has to approve my decision. Sometimes in meetings people make eye contact more often with him and make comments directly to him. It’s getting better, but I think we have a ways to go.”
“It just seems to take longer for women to be noticed or appreciated,” wrote a 38-year-old agency manager. “It is much harder to be taken seriously as a woman, but we overcompensate to make sure we’re seen and heard. And because of that, the women I know are amazing agency managers/owners, and they are amazing people in general.”
While attitudes about women in insurance are improving, 30% of the women we surveyed said they sometimes feel uncomfortable about comments that are made about women.
Women's recognition in insurance agencies
women said they sometimes feel uncomfortable about comments that are made about women across roles
Action steps for Agency Executives
For yourself: Work on overcoming imposter syndrome and developing executive presence.
For your team: Ask employees what makes them feel most appreciated, and brainstorm ways for your team to express appreciation and recognition more often.
Action steps for Aspiring Leaders
Work on your communication skills to learn how to communicate with confidence and communicate at the executive level.
Action steps for Engaged Team Members
Work on your communication skills to learn how to communicate with confidence and manage your personal brand.
Action steps for Allies
Take time to listen to women’s perspectives. Don’t take over the conversation or make it about you. Instead, ask what you can do to amplify women’s voices. Speak up if you hear someone make negative or stereotypical comments about women.