The Top Places to Work in PR: Corporate—State Farm Insurance

State Farm Insurance’s culture may be corporate, but employees are quick to point out a number of its very non-corporate characteristics as well: “fun,” “quirky” and “diverse,” just to name a few.

The size of the company, which was founded in 1922 and now exceeds 17,000 agents, 68,000 employees and 75 million insurance policies, betrays its tight-knit culture. Employees have full access to State Farm’s leadership, for starters.

“We can call up our senior management anytime,” says one employee. “I constantly communicate with the top public affairs folks at our corporate office via phone, e-mail and in person. They always get back to us promptly and are helpful and encouraging.”

Senior management’s encouragement also includes strong support “for individuals to educate themselves both internally and in classes,” and the company “promotes from within and offers constant feedback.”

Another advantage: “Diversity is huge at State Farm,” a team member says. “We have a number of employee resource groups that focus on everything from gay and lesbian pride to Hispanics, African-Americans, women and the disabled.”

But perhaps the most telling thing about State Farm as an employer is the longevity of many employees’ careers, including one who has been with the company for 57 years—and counting.

“It’s the best company I’ve ever worked for. It cares deeply about its employees,” says another staffer, also noting that State Farm is one of the few companies that still offers employees a pension. “Would you leave this job?” the staffer asks rhetorically. PRN

October 19, 2009