There was a rumor going on around the office last week that we are looking at sizable layoffs come early February, but I'm not sure where it came from or if there is any truth to it.
I was wondering if anybody here heard anything about it? We do have a guy who is prone to making a mountain out of a molehill, so I'm hoping this is the case here.
My guess is that the more specialized claim handling roles (SIU, Injury, complex, total loss, Sub, Audit) will continue to be staff employees...but fewer of them and centralized. The other assembly line claim roles will be externals and processors. The primary reason for SCPs is that anyone should be able to come in and handle claims (think of externals, TWA, and re-assignments) so long as they can speak some English, pass a background check and obtain an adjuster's license.
If you're in a proximity customer facing role like field claims, you're probably overworked but at least you'll probably be safe for now until more and more ECRs get hired.
Look at the major consulting companies...their biggest service now is providing staffing solutions...in other words, temp workers. Whether its a call center rep, attorneys, accountants...you need it, they can provide it and its much cheaper than a W2 staff employee.
As for customer service, the damage is done and will continue. I heard the executives state, "Our lost customers will come back once they realize they miss their agent and our world class customer service"......which doesn't make sense because they left because of the bad claim service and our high premiums which are needed to support our agency and our operating expenses.
Bottom line, State Farm is trying to survive and there will be many jobs lost. Look at GE, IBM, Wal Mart, Allstate, Liberty Mutual and all the other companies listed in the other threads. This is the brutal reality of today's business climate.
Good luck to everyone. I am a 52 yo 29 year employee who used to think I was so lucky to be with SF because of job security and the SF brand. I now worry on a daily basis.
Restructuring in most areas, but if layoffs are “massive” especially in claims something is afoot. Claim reps are overwhelmed already, at least in my Phx office. Even with sales s---ing and large lapse/can somebody has to handle the claims.
If they count on independents customer service will suffer even more. Storm season pulls the independents say too.
they're coming... not sure if it'll be february, but massive layoffs are coming...