State Farm is the most political corporation I have ever worked at. Unlike most call center and production environments, there are no set goals or defined standards. Your evaluation completely depends on the personal opinion of the manager. How a company can even survive like that is a testament to the power of a brand name. The environment at the Homewood Operations center in Alabama is completely unprofessional. Sometimes people are walking around with bare feet! I'm serious! It is such an ironic experience to receive a first class education and then end up working at a place like this. The team managers can do anything with impunity. They even make a point to socialize with the pathetic hr staff so if you were hoping for any sort of intervention in an abusive or hostile office situation then "good luck." The bottom line is if you are connected or can make a personal connection with your boss, then you have a lifetime job where you can do a little bit of work with very little accountability. If your boss decides he or she does not like you then strap on your helmet for a bumpy ride because you are going to be scrutinized and harassed on a daily basis. Over the next 20 or more years "the farm" will have to change to survive. I don't know anyone under 50 that has state farm insurance, do you?
