HR Expert on Building an Engaged & Driven Workforce in Insurance

By: Zeenat Burji, Head of HR, Munich Re India

Zeenat is a strategic HR leader with over 15 years of experience across Munich Re, EY-Parthenon, BCG, and Condé Nast, specializing in talent strategy, leadership development, DEI, and aligning people priorities with business goals.

In an engaging interaction with Women Entrepreneurs Review Magazine, Zeenat shares her insights as an HR leader in the insurance sector. She outlines strategies to build a dynamic HR culture in the compliance-heavy insurance sector.

Highlighting Munich Re’s talent acquisition policies, Zeenat also makes a strong case for leveraging the L&D function as a strategic partner. She also touches upon key topics such as employee engagement and performance management and future of the workforce strategy.

To know more about Zeenat Burji’s HR playbook, read the interview below.

How do you balance compliance with fostering an agile and innovative HR culture?

In the insurance sector, compliance is non-negotiable. At Munich Re we have agile HR practices that are compliant yet flexible enough to adapt to evolving business needs. For example, agile talent reviews, flexible work policies, and streamlined approval processes help drive speed without compromising compliance.

With talent acquisition becoming increasingly competitive, what emerging strategies or technologies do you see as game-changers for attracting and retaining top talent in the insurance sector?

In the highly competitive insurance talent landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven recruitment platforms are changing the game.

Companies that offer hyper-personalized candidate experiences and leverage internal talent mobility through AI-driven career marketplaces are better positioned to attract and retain top talent. Employee advocacy programs on platforms like LinkedIn also play a key role, as candidates increasingly trust peer reviews over corporate branding. Additionally, offering flexible career paths, cross-industry hiring, and gig roles attract diverse profiles not traditionally seen in insurance.

At Munich Re, we emphasize purpose, DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion), and learning opportunities over job security alone. A big asset for us is also the fact that we empower our teams on the ground and give them strong mandates to act instead of just letting them execute orders from the headquarter.

What is especially important to me is to foster a diverse, inclusive and agile culture that promotes collaboration and knowledge-sharing between units and markets. At Munich Re, we provide opportunities for global mobility which is highly recognized by our talent. We actively support cross-learning and career development. My job at HR is not done once the work contract with an applicant is signed – it is just beginning. 

How is Learning and Development’s role evolving to prepare employees for the rapid technological changes and digital disruptions impacting the insurance industry?

Learning and Development (L&D) in insurance is moving from periodic classroom training to continuous, digital-first learning ecosystems. As digital disruption accelerates, employees need rapid, bite-sized learning on emerging technologies like AI, automation, and data analytics. Self-paced learning platforms, micro learning apps, and simulation-based training are becoming mainstream.

Beyond technical upskilling, L&D now emphasizes leadership in digital transformation, change management, and agile working methods. Collaboration with cross-industry partners for immersive learning experiences is also growing.

What innovative approaches have you found effective in creating authentic employee engagement and a sense of purpose among employees?

Our purpose is business-model inherent: we help mankind to act braver and better by taking risks – from illness, to accidents, to natural catastrophes and cyber-attacks – from the shoulders of individuals and corporates so that they can focus on what really matters to them.

On top, we initiate purpose-driven projects where employees contribute to community impact or sustainability goals to foster a deeper sense of belonging.

Authentic employee engagement in insurance firms requires moving beyond events and recognition programs. What works is creating platforms for open dialogue, employee voice, and ownership. Hybrid work models with flexibility and well-being initiatives demonstrate care beyond productivity. Leadership visibility and informal forums, where leaders share personal stories and struggles, build trust.

These initiatives help employees see themselves as co-owners of the company’s journey, not just participants in corporate processes. Creating meaning at work, not perks, drives true engagement.

How can insurance companies integrate performance management to motivate employees?

In fast-paced environments like insurance, annual performance reviews alone are insufficient. Embedding continuous feedback through regular one-on-ones and real-time recognition helps keep employees motivated and aligned.

At Munich Re, Managers get trained to act as coaches rather than evaluators, focusing on strengths and development rather than just outcomes. Digital platforms now allow instant feedback loops and peer recognition, making feedback timely and less intimidating.

Which key HR insights do you believe will shape the future of workforce strategy over the next five years?

When I started working in HR 15 years ago, physical office presence was a requirement, no matter the role or the industry. There was no concept of “Working remotely/ Working from Home”. We didn’t think of that single parent, people with long commutes, or those who simply worked better independently could thrive in a different setup.

Thanks to Covid, we not only have this concept but lack of flex work would result in disengagement, attrition, and a failure to attract top talent who are demanding flexibility. Our minimum standard is to ensure we have a hybrid work model with clarity on when to be together and when to work remotely—balancing trust with accountability.