Same management that ruined Hartford now ruling Symetra - Anonymous employee Symetra Employee Review

1.0
4 Apr 2012
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The people who actually do all the work are great. They want to build a more progressive and sustainable organization.

Cons

New executives have a lofty perch mentality that is counter productive in a company of this size. Corner offices, special amenities, refusing to attend meetings that aren't held on their special 14th floor create a wide divide between workers and management. Executives regularly issue edicts and set unrealistic time frames and expectations - to be performed at the expense of low paid staff. The HR department lives in the executives hip pockets and does nothing to protect the workers, no matter how many complaints are levied. Stale management tactics are broadly applied to all situations. Employees are not viewed as a critical asset - everyone is expendable. The subject matter experts are leaving in droves, yet the executives seem to have no concerns -- that is until something falls through the cracks -- then any errors or missteps are placed firmly at the feet of staff. Work / life balance benefits such as flexible schedules or remote work is being eliminated -- yet many of the executives are remote and the company bears the cost of flying them in multiple times per month and paying for housing. Another executive 'perk' a company this size can ill afford. Aging IT systems elevate costs and create constant issues for staff while management invests in non-essentials like expensive consultants and re-branding. The question on everyone's mind is, if this executive team is so stellar, why do they need consultants to guide them every step of the way. What are we paying them for? The company engages in double-speak, telling employees to 'be prepared to be uncomfortable' as they want the truth to be told. Yet, employees who do dare to raise issues or provide insights are sidelined, vilified and often dismissed. Operational leaders put the majority of their efforts into ensuring real information doesn't make it to executive ears. Which is easy as the executives rarely deign to leave their floor and mix among the 'little people'.

Explore other reviews about Symetra

5.0
8 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great culture, people, pay and benefits. Remote work is awesome.

Cons

Can't think of anything right now

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Symetra Response
2w
From Dena Ashlock, Actuarial: Thank you for the kind words and for your years with Symetra! We're glad the culture, benefits, and flexibility have made it a great place to work. We hope to keep earning that review for years to come!
5.0
8 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great opportunities here to become a true student of the business. Flexibility in work location, because it's really and truly a fully remote first workplace. Opportunity to develop and nurture an effective sales system, bring value and partner for a lifetime with financial professionals to help grow businesses, and protect clients' and families' futures. Guidance and employee engagement in future-proofing the business, leadership opportunities, and opportunities for community impact that you can measure both with hard data and with emotional impact on the team. I'm genuinely glad to get up and go to work every morning. I'm grateful for the opportunity, and the confidence given to us to be driven and self-sufficient professionals.

Cons

Training is getting exponentially better, and structure is fomenting, but still isn't where it should be, by far. Sales teams bolster each other, but there's a perception of "performance punishment" that affects morale. The company wants to be a top ten carrier, but feels like it's lacking direction in other divisions, and our operational growing pains are evident to advisors.

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Symetra Response
2mo
From Erin Woltz, VP Talent Management and Change Leadership: Thank you for this thoughtful feedback and for the genuine enthusiasm you bring to your work here! It's meaningful to hear that you find purpose in partnering with financial professionals and contributing to something larger. Appreciate you highlighting your concerns; these are the kinds of observations that help us identify where our growth is creating friction. We encourage you to continue sharing that perspective with your manager and through our internal feedback channels. Voices like yours are part of how we get to where we want to be.
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