Modern Insurance Magazine Issue 61

ARTICLE
4
The Fabric
of Claim
Technology
Traditional work structures are no longer the norm, with companies embracing innovative pathways
towards a more collaborative and adaptable future.
This presents an opportunity to support Social Mobility. It will
come as no surprise to anyone familiar with Claim Technology’s
pink branding that we do things differently here, but two things
in particular are part of our fabric – elements which we think
are of paramount importance when it comes to making Social
Mobility a reality.
Claim Technology’s ‘Zero Hierarchy’ Model: Empowerment
and Collaboration
We all take the idea of a hierarchy for granted. You start at
the bottom, and slowly work your way to the top. Taking on
more managerial responsibilities seems to be the only path to
increased status or compensation, leaving the job you loved
behind. You find yourself pigeon-holed, struggling for your
voice to be heard, unable to influence change for good.
It doesn’t have to be this way. What if we thought upside
down, and did the opposite by removing the components of a
hierarchy altogether? That’s exactly what we’ve done at Claim
Technology. We steer away from lesser-meaning titles to focus
on creating more-meaningful roles. In meetings, our value
comes from the contributions we make, rather than accepting
the loudest or most senior opinion in the room. Fresh ideas are
considered, and diverse perspectives are woven into the fabric
of the company. Rapid decision-making becomes a collective
effort.
This approach fosters an environment where open
communication, collaboration and innovation thrive. We are a
team of equals, regardless of age or gender. Much more than
that, by removing hierarchies – where the expectation is that
vision, strategy and direction can only come from those above
you – we work in an environment where every member of
the team is encouraged to think and contribute in this way. In
effect, we are all challenged to become leaders - embracing
wider roles and responsibilities than those we thought we
were capable of, yet safe in the understanding that more
experienced members of the team will provide the necessary
wisdom, experience, moderation and support to de-risk our
work and achieve the best outcomes. The result? We’re able to
progress our careers faster than we’d be able to in a safer, more
corporate workplace.
By dismantling the barriers of hierarchy, we’ve not only
successfully navigated an ever-changing business landscape,
but we are more secure and confident in the prospect of what
the future can hold. After all, as employees, we are empowered
to create the business that we want to be part of. Our approach
to staff benefits is a great example. Any member of our team
can propose a motion for a particular benefit, and more
often than not, this will link to causes that are important in
our personal lives. For example, Claim Technology staff can
request a change to holiday policy that allows team members
to take more time off for a ‘slow travel’ trip, one where a more
sustainable choice of transport has been chosen. By pioneering
a zero-hierarchy approach as part of its DNA, Claim Technology
has become the crucible in which barriers to Social Mobility
disappear.
Embracing Hybrid Working: Navigating the Future of Work
Claim Technology had already implemented a ‘Work from
Anywhere’ (WFA) policy, enabling individual team members to
choose whether they would be most productive working from
home or in the office, working alone or collaboratively. However,
left to our own devices, we learnt that we all defaulted to
working from home full time, which negatively impacted our
ability to collectively inspire, innovate, and achieve meaningful
business step-changes, as well as disrupting our sense of being
rooted and connected to each other.
As a team, we have decided to commit to working from an
office. But here comes the twist! Whilst other companies
chose to approach hybrid working as a perk or a convenience
for employees, we choose to approach hybrid working by
understanding how it can maximise our individual and team
performance. We come together
on a Monday to plan our week
ahead, and come back together
on Fridays to clear the decks,
take stock, and create space
for impromptu conversation -
creating a more socially mobile
company week by week.
If this resonates, why not ping us
at hello@claimtechnology.co.uk.
You’ll probably kickstart your
career by speaking first of all to
our CEO!
Michael Lewis,
CEO, Claim Technology
MODERN INSURANCE | 49