Pros
The company truly places value on its employees, so much so that it was jarring to me, since I came from a large corporation with the typical corporate politics. As a leader of front-line professionals, it was an expectation that I treat employees well, support them and their development, be visible, and provide actionable feedback. Front-line professionals were not considered grunt people; they were truly valued. For me, this is what distinguishes State Farm from other companies.
Benefits are available at the first of the month following the hire date. They are better than average, but I wouldn't consider them stellar. They offer two high-deductible plans, one of which has a health-reimbursement account. They also offer an HMO plan, depending on where the employee lives. Other benefits include savings plans and, interestingly enough, a pension plan that requires no employee contribution. Unless going for insurance education, the tuition-reimbursement plan is poor.
The company offers stellar relocation packages to employees, including front-line professionals. It is truly impressive how much invested the company is in its employees.
Cons
A common saying throughout the company is "State Farm nice." What that means is that it can be incredibly difficult to be fired from the company. As my manager stated, State Farm is a company that believes in "rehabilitation." While providing ample support to employees to help them toward success is important, making it difficult to offer even the most minor corrective action to employees only sets the employees up for failure. Many of the antics that I experience and feel powerless to address would never be tolerated at other companies with better customer service, large employee bases, and more industry acclaim.
