To WFH in 2025 or Return to The Office, That is The Question

There is still something of a debate when it comes to WFH. Some insurance brands think productivity increases as office distractions fade away, others see the lack of team-building and data security being an issue. FYI Sellick Partnership has shared key findings from a new survey revealing that over half of actuarial professionals want to work one to two days in the office each week, with a fifth wanting to work fully remotely. Here’s the word;

The recruitment firm, specialising in actuarial recruitment, surveyed over 700 actuarial professionals, shedding light on what candidates in the industry really want (and don’t want) from their working arrangements.

With hybrid and remote working now a central part of the conversation around workplace flexibility, the results offer employers valuable insights to adapt their recruitment strategies and better align with candidate expectations.

The survey highlights the growing trend toward flexibility, with most actuarial professionals seeking a hybrid or fully remote work setup. A significant shift from traditional office-based roles, the findings underscore the importance of offering adaptable working conditions to attract and retain talent in the competitive actuarial job market.

Key survey findings include:

• 20% of respondents indicated they would prefer to work entirely remotely.
• 28% expressed a preference for two days in the office, making it the most popular choice.
• 26% favoured one day per week in the office.
• Just 5% wanted to work five days a week in the office, reflecting the increasing demand for flexible work options.

The survey reveals that actuarial professionals are prioritising:

• Work-life balance, with flexible working arrangements allowing for better integration of personal and professional commitments.
• Increased productivity, with many professionals finding they can be more effective when working remotely.
• Inclusivity, as hybrid work models tend to cater to a wider range of needs, ensuring that work environments are accessible and adaptable.

These findings highlight a significant shift in employee expectations, with flexibility now seen as a non-negotiable factor when considering new roles. For employers in the actuarial and insurance sectors, this trend presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

Charlie Christian, Actuarial recruitment specialist and Manager at Sellick Partnership, said: “The results of this survey further confirm what we have been seeing in the actuarial market for some time now – candidates want flexibility. As recruitment specialists, it’s vital for us to understand what job seekers in this sector truly value, so we can guide employers on how to adapt their strategies.

“Offering flexible working conditions is no longer just a perk; it’s a key part of attracting and retaining the best talent. The actuarial profession is evolving, and organisations must evolve with it to remain competitive.”

The findings from the survey can be found here.