Pros

During the past year there have been many changes in the business environment. Reorganization has eliminated some positions. Still, Travelers has kept many employees who would otherwise be laid off by moving and training them to new positions. This gives employees opportunity to learn new skills, stay employed in a tough economy, and perhaps advance in the long term.

Travelers supports the virtual office and working at home. Flexibility is great, benefits are great. I can't find too much to complain about since I set my own schedule, have a company provided car, internet, cell phone and am trusted to make decisions in the field.

Training is first rate. Claims University spares no expense to make sure adjuster's get the best training possible.

There is a good sense of team locally and across the country.

The company is stable and making loads of money. There is opportunity for bonus pay and the benefits are first rate - the PPO for my family is wonderful.

Cons

There is some "what have you done for me lately" style of file review. For example, you could settle a claim for $1, but have your filed "failed" for not checking off a box in the computer system - that's the wrong way to motivate an adjuster on a file that is 98% "A+" but fails on a technicality.

Travelers sometimes spends $$$ to settle a $ claim. "Beat the horse til it's dead" is the implied method of investigation, sometimes putting way too much effort into a small claim. On the flip side, however, concentration on doing the right thing every time assures that every file gets the proper attention. Small claims often turn into larger claims, so some of this anal behavior is justified.

Whatever the gripes of people that can't take the review process, my advice is "don't fight it." If the UM tells you "this is the way it is to be done," then do it that way. If you follow advice of your UM, you will do well. People that fight back and gripe are irritating to listen to and eventually quit.

There are not many places to work where everything is perfect. I've had managers at other companies give no review, and then pound you when something goes wrong. Travelers managers will always let you know how things are going.

Advice to Senior Management

Don't fail a file for the sake of a small error. Keep up the training. Keep communication going with line employees.