But the P&C industry and overall corporate landscape in the U.S. look a smidge different than when these veterans “enlisted” for a career in claims. Alan Hlad of the Westfield Group raised some excellent points about our PR disadvantage in general and the effect on Millennials' perception of the industry. So how can companies create a culture that is both efficient and appealling to Generation Y's sensibilities? About this time last year, the Harvard Business Review (HBR) polled 2,200 of this demographic to gauge work behaviors and preferences, concluding that most respondents expressed a desire for flexible schedules and employment at companies where “strong values” were evident. Various articles published since then have asserted a clear preference for companies to demonstrate a sincere investment in bettering the community and, well, the world as a whole.

Idealistic? Absolutely. Impossible? Absolutely not. Sure, laymen would say our industry is not historically known for progressive stances. There is a lot we aren't telling them, though. I urge you to read Claire Wilkinson's latest post, “Pride Round-Up 2011” on the I.I.I. diversity blog, as it details how our industry advocates corporate equality and projects that strengthen communities. Let me know what you think!