Most insurance companies still plan to add staff this year, but more insurance companies plan to use fewer temps, according to the semi-annual U.S. Insurance Labor Outlook Study conducted by The Jacobson Group and Ward Group.

The survey found 15 percent of insurance companies plan to decrease their use of temporary staffing during the second half of the year, compared to 13 percent reporting the same six months ago. Eight percent plan to increase use of temporary employees during the next six months and 77 percent plan to maintain temp employment levels.

The survey found 58 percent of insurance companies plan to increase staff during the next 12 months. Though this is nearly four points lower than the January survey, it is the second-highest percentage since the survey began in 2009. Nine percent of companies expect a decrease in staffing during the next 12 months and 33 percent expect no change.

Technology, underwriting and claims positions continue to be the most in demand and are expected to grow the greatest during the next 12 months. Technology, actuarial and analytics positions continue to be the most difficult to fill.

“The substantial demand caused by the severe skills gap, combined with a diminishing pool of talent, is creating a competitive market for companies looking to find experienced individuals to fill their open positions,” said Gregory Jacobson, co-CEO of Jacobson.