There is lot of nervousness and some posters here claim to be in management. Since no one seems to know at work is there a plan to close offices and move work to regional centers in NC IL and TX or not? Upper management has some plan because the NC megacenter didn’t just fall out of sky. I want to work and be employed at Allstate but do they want me and others long term or will a lot of us be out of jobs in 2-4 years? Transparency is a corporate value no? So managers please share.
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You got that right, the pension is no longer the draw it once was and you could never retire on the current pension alone, not even sure why they even offer it anymore. If you don’t maximize your 401k you will be in big trouble when it comes time to retire. The pension is almost a scam at this point to draw people who don’t really understand that it is just about worthless.
Having retired recently after 20 years and yes, the last decade in management, you do need to keep options open. The thing is when they gutted the pension staying with Allstate is not as attractive nor worth the move as it once was. Public employee jobs overall and esp in CA have better benes and better pension/retirement. You have to look where you will be at 60. The company now does not offer a solid path to a great retirement. I was lucky enough to have 17 years in the old pension. The new pension really is not a pension at all. I get it, it's a business and they made changes which is fine. But long term the company now offers little that is going to make things great at age 60 to 65. If I had it to go back and do over I would go into public sector.
You are 100% correct and I always took the same approach (over 30 years)) but there is a huge difference now. Handling claims virtually and moving jobs to other countries have increased job instability exponentially.
Why is this new ? I was with the company for 34 years, and that was my approach/philosophy
25, 15 and 5 years ago. I’ve always looked out for myself and my family, and always known there were options outside of Allstate. I’ve always looked around (usually passively, but sometimes seriously), but never left. Many forget that ~15 years ago, we consolidated claim offices and went from almost 200 locations to ~ 130. Many relocated, many didn’t, but the point is, none of this (Allstate doesn’t guarantee employment for life !!!!!) is new.
There are very few positions that are worth relocating for. If you are making good money, continue to take their money but have an escape plan. If you are an adjuster making mediocre money get out now. There are many opportunities out there with companies that still value their employees. Shapiro and regional management are not to be trusted. Worry about yourself, not the company.
Were you given the opportunity to transfer to Texas ?
If I were any of you, I'd wouldn't plan my next move until you're told exactly what is going to happen and only then; just take the package. Especially if you have been with the company for awhile.
I was just let go working in ALR, my position is being outsourced to the Phillipines, and there are some other positions in Accounting being relocated to Irving, TX and Ireland.
I was just laid off in December of 2017. Is that transparent enough?
Thanks for replies this is OP. I am not young in 40s with kids in school mortgage and employed spouse. I under the opacity re long range planning but appreciate the input. I don’t hate my job I like it but I’m in a demo that is at higher risk despite years experience. Reality I know. It may be time to look at my parachute despite 20 some years with company and having moved offices in my state mutliple times. A “lateral” to another state doesn’t exist in this day and age when health care costs are outstripping salaries along with all other baggage but thanks again for perspective from managers or ret mgr I got more direct advice then internally in company.
I retired last year, even though my position was still secure. The insurance industry is making major changes to be more profitable. When I first started with Allstate over three decades ago, there were 24 claims offices in California. Now, I believe, there are five. With the advancement of technology, jobs and positions will be affected. I agree with the last post, be prepared to be mobile if you want a career with Allstate. Relocationing is a key factor to stay with the company. Other companies, like State Farm, are going down the same path. Cost containment is huge. With centralization a company can reduce large overheads on office space. Additionally, it's best to look for states that are business friendly. California is not one of those. Auto has been a losing proposition in California for many years, yet there are so many policies in the state.
A retired leader, but also with no inside information. You’re never going to receive 100% transparency, and that’s not just Allstate. There are reasons leadership can’t play their hand in advance, including job abandonment by concerned (potentially impacted) employees, impact on real estate prices in potential mega-consolidation markets.
Agree with previous poster. The footprint will shrink, so remain flexible, and never expect full transparency. It’s just not feasible.
I am an ex manager. I don’t have inside information, but I know enough to know that if you’re young, you should keep your mobility options open. Whether we end up with 3, 6, 9 or 12 locations, it will be fewer than we have now, maybe it will be one per CSA....maybe 2. That still means 24 Claim locations.
What I do know, is we’re not alone. All carriers will have fewer locations 5-10 years from now.
Be flexible and mobile, and you’ll always have work.