Health and Safety at the Forefront for Global Directors and Officers
According to a recent survey by Willis, a WTW business in collaboration with Clyde & Co, health and safety risks continue to be a top priority for directors and officers worldwide. A significant 80% of respondents ranked these risks as either very important or extremely important to their organizations.
Key Concerns in the Workplace
Among the risks identified, physical workplace hazards were deemed the most pressing by 43% of participants. Concerns about employee mental health and wellbeing due to work-related factors followed closely, highlighted by 28% of respondents, with an additional 12% noting personal issues affecting wellbeing.
Civil Litigation and Emerging Concerns
In an interesting development, civil litigation and third-party claims have climbed into the top seven concerns for the first time since 2018, with 63% of directors and officers viewing them as major risks. Smaller organizations, especially those with revenues under $50 million and those between $1 billion and $5 billion, reported a higher frequency of litigation issues.
Larger organizations, with revenues exceeding $5 billion, are more concerned with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and threats of bribery and corruption, while financial distress and insolvency remain prevalent worries for smaller entities.
Regional Shifts and Social Risks
Regionally, shifts have been noted in areas like Asia, North America, and the Middle East, where climate change is no longer a primary concern. Conversely, DEI has gained importance, particularly in regions such as Great Britain, North America, and Africa. The survey suggests that social risks are increasingly capturing the attention of directors and officers.
Notably, concerns about human rights violations within business operations have surged, with 62% of respondents in 2025 considering it a critical risk, up from 23% in 2021. Similarly, apprehensions about supplier business practices have increased from 27% in 2021 to 59% in 2025.
Cybersecurity and Technological Challenges
Willis identified a strong link between perceived material risks and board expertise, although gaps remain in areas like cybersecurity and data privacy. Despite 77% of respondents acknowledging the importance of cyber-attacks and data loss, many boards feel they need more time to address these issues fully.
Artificial Intelligence (AI), while not considered an immediate threat, was marked as very important by only 51% of respondents. It ranked lowest in terms of board expertise, but as AI evolves and new regulations are introduced, this perception may change.
Insights from Industry Leaders
The survey underscores the evolving priorities among directors and officers, with a growing emphasis on health, safety, and social risks, alongside mounting challenges in cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
Angus Duncan, global D&O coverage specialist at Willis, remarked: “The survey results highlight the diverse challenges directors and officers face today. Despite rising litigation concerns, cost remains the primary driver for D&O insurance decisions. By proactively addressing these issues, organizations can optimize coverage and mitigate risks.”
James Cooper, Partner and Head of Financial Institutions and D&O at Clyde & Co, added: “The risk landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by factors from geopolitics to technological advancements. Identifying critical risks and ensuring D&O insurance reflects this dynamic environment is crucial.”
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