Why stress doesn't look the same for everyone

For seven years, Ecclesiastical has been listening closely to the broker community, tracking how the pressures of the profession evolve and how wellbeing is shaped by the realities of modern insurance.

What began as a commitment to understanding broker stress has grown into one of the longest-running wellbeing studies in the sector. And this year's findings confirm what many brokers already know: while the landscape is changing, the pressures remain.

Our latest Broker Mental Wellbeing Report shows stress levels have fallen for the first time in years. Yet behind that encouraging headline lies a more complex picture. Workload, regulation, customer expectations and staffing challenges remain significant sources of pressure. Add geopolitical instability, economic uncertainty and rapidly evolving risks, and brokers are often carrying the weight of global turbulence alongside the needs of their clients.

For insurance brokers, pressure is part of everyday life.

Balancing client expectations, navigating complex risks, delivering against sales targets in a competitive market, and responding to a constantly changing landscape all bring their own demands. But while the sources of stress may be familiar, our responses are often very different.

Some people remain calm and focused when faced with uncertainty. Others find the same situation more challenging. Some feel energised by change, while others prefer time to think, plan and prepare before taking action.

The difference is not simply about resilience, experience or capability. It's often rooted in our individual personalities and the ways we're naturally inclined to respond when pressure increases.

That's why developing self-awareness can be so valuable.

When we understand what influences our reactions, we're better equipped to recognise our strengths, identify potential pressure points and adopt strategies that help us thrive, both professionally and personally.

Our Broker Stress Check is designed to help you understand the four dimensions that shape individual responses to pressure: authenticity, optimism, ambiguity and adaptability.

Each plays a different role in how brokers handle complexity, manage risk and stay effective when the pace, expectations and uncertainty increase.

Authenticity

Authenticity is about feeling able to be yourself.

When our actions align with our values and we feel comfortable expressing our thoughts and perspectives, we often experience greater confidence and engagement. When pressure builds, however, it can be tempting to suppress concerns, avoid difficult conversations or behave in ways that don't feel entirely natural.

Understanding authenticity can help you recognise the environments and situations in which you're most likely to perform at your best.

Optimism

Optimism influences how you interpret challenges.

Some people naturally focus on opportunities and solutions. Others instinctively identify potential risks and obstacles. In a profession built on assessing and managing risk, both perspectives bring value.

The key is understanding your own natural tendency and recognising how it may influence your thinking and decision-making during periods of heightened pressure.

Ambiguity

Insurance broking rarely offers complete certainty.

Brokers frequently operate in situations where information is incomplete, markets are changing and outcomes are not guaranteed. Our comfort with ambiguity can have a significant impact on how stressful these situations feel.

Some people are comfortable navigating the unknown. Others prefer greater clarity and structure. Neither approach is right or wrong, but understanding your preference can shed light on why certain challenges feel energising while others feel uncomfortable.

Adaptability

The insurance industry continues to evolve at pace.

Changing customer expectations, technological advances, regulatory developments and emerging risks all require brokers to adapt. Adaptability reflects how we respond to those changes.

Some people readily embrace new approaches and opportunities. Others prefer stability and need more time to process and adjust. Understanding your natural style can help you navigate change more effectively and with greater confidence.

There is no perfect personality type for insurance broking.

Each of us brings valuable strengths to the profession, and each of us has circumstances that challenge us more than others. The goal is not to label people, but to provide greater insight into how they respond when demands increase.

By understanding your own patterns, you can build on your strengths, develop practical coping strategies, better understand the perspectives and behaviours of others, and support colleagues and clients more effectively.

After all, in a profession dedicated to understanding and managing risk, taking the time to understand ourselves is equally important.

Our Stress Check offers an opportunity to do exactly that. Through the four dimensions of authenticity, optimism, ambiguity and adaptability, you'll gain a clearer picture of how you respond under pressure and where your natural strengths lie.

Take a few minutes to complete the assessment and discover what your stress profile can tell you about staying effective, resilient and well when the pressure is on.