Allstate Reviews in Houston, TX Area

Pros

Flexible schedule, access to senior management, free to express opinions.

Cons

Lack of recent real world business experience from management; no new ideas on operating your business comes from management; you get more info regarding operating your business thru your own research. Management does not know how to motivate and inspire sales staff other than by fear of termination.

Advice to Senior Management

Treat everyone fairly and do not spend most of your time with the big pruducers, it is obvious that they do not need your help in operating their business as they are very successful.

Pros

Benefits are good. If you keep your head down and mouth shut you'll receive average reviews and raises. But at least you want be treated like a piece of garbage.

Cons

Management drives you, lies to you and tells you that there is promise of advancement in your future. Once the task is complete (you know the one that no one wanted to do so you got suckered into it) management forgets you exist.

Advice to Senior Management

Don't lie to your employees. Don't promise promotion in exchange for 60-70 hour work weeks and putting up with crap that no one in their right mind should when the idea of promotion or advancement is a farce.

Pros

Decent benefits
good work / family life balance
generous with time off
401k and pensions
not a whole lot else. Steady decline over that past few years

Cons

Management was a joke- in all levels
never clear communication with employees
advancement was virtually non-existant
pay increases were terrible and employees even were getting paycuts
huge work loads
jobs well done rewarded with more work from lazy employees
LOTS of lazy employees that seemed to fly below the radar

Advice to Senior Management

Grow a pair! Management seemed to be puppets and could not make decisions for themselves. Also would not stand up for your employees.

Pros

job security, name/company recognition, retirement benefits, opportunities nationwide

Cons

non-professional, low salary, low opportunity for advancement in claims locally, "old school' management style-micromanagement

Advice to Senior Management

Hire professionals do not treat same as non-professionals, pay competitively, give more autonomy in work

Pros

It's a large company, so if you are mobile you may have a lot of opportunity. You may have the ability to go to different states or try different jobs within the company. There is also a sense of stablity since it's a large company,

Cons

The system is designed to hinder and not help. Management does not listen to the employees. They waste employees' time with surveys that they seem not to pay attention to. Certain regions and departments provide little to no growth opportunity. So you may get stuck in a position. An example would be the claims department, unless you are mobile. And each office seems to be managed differently. Some offices are way more lax then others. The pay is horrible. They pay the new claims employees under 40k, but want you to have a degree and work over 40 hours/week. Really does not seem fair. And the raises in our office at least are the same for mostly every one. Too much busy work, i.e. list and emails.

Advice to Senior Management

Pay your "lower level" employees a decent wage and hire enough people to manage the work load. If your people are happy, then your customer's will be happy. That's how you make money and become successful!

Pros

Ability to help people as well as a great product
Flexible hours when needed
Good customer service department.
Quick response from corporate
Big brand name and lots of national advertising

Cons

Higher rates due to better products. Lack of benefits
The pay is not so great as producers tend to just build the for the agent's pockets which is somewhat understandable as they take the majority of the risk.
Leads are not provided by corporate.
Credit check system is flawed.
Lack of credit for sub producers and clerical staff that make agencies run.
Have had problems with claims department per customers

Advice to Senior Management

Keep the sales staff in the loop when it matters. There are products and rate changes that need better explanation so we can convey to customers

Pros

Great flexibility, boss is very willing to allow for special circumstances. We work as a team in our office. The work atmosphere is relaxed, but professional. We each know our personal goals and our office goals. We keep each other posted on where we are at and how we are doing. There is a competitive edge that is not threatening, but inspiring. You are always learning from those around you and there is always something new to learn to do at our office. The coorporate goals are communicated and enforced appropriately. Most importantly, vacation is provided as well as medical/health stipends. There is never a "war" within the office. No catty remarks, no intentional problem making, great to work with people who understand you and where you need to be in acheiving your goals. You will be rewarded when you work hard and challenge yourself in the office. You will find yourself enjoying the customers as the people they are, not just as dollar signs. You will be able to network with vast majorities of different people and cultures. It's wonderful to help people understand their insurance needs and provide the coverage for them.

Cons

With a small office, it can be overwhelming when there is much to be done. If you cannot manage your time well, you will not have a great experience with the workload of this position. Also, the days can feel mundane and repetitive. You have to find a way to make sure you are challenging yourself enough to overcome the feeling of being stuck in a routine. With a small office, you do not have professional privacy. If you are going to work as friends and colleagues, expect someone to know a little about your personal life and ongoings.

Advice to Senior Management

We need better support systems. We also need a vehicle where our concerns are not only heard, but actually addressed and worked on. When we have input, we would like it to be considered valuable, not mere commentary.

Pros

Small agencies are great to work for and I can always make time for my family.

Cons

Lack benefits and opportunities of working for corporate.

Advice to Senior Management

Comunication with employees could be better.

Pros

The people that you help.

Cons

quotas that must be met in a time where every dollar counts.

Advice to Senior Management

none