The Allstate Blog » Career

Celebrating a big birthday by giving a big gift

goodhandsgiveback — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 14:52:44 +0000

This year, the Allstate Foundation celebrated a big anniversary not by receiving, but by giving. The Foundation first invited its key nonprofit partners to an Executive Summit where peers and experts shared ideas on how to build better organizations. It then offered attendees $600,000 worth of special grants to help put those principles into practice. "Due to the current state of the economy and scaled back donations, the need for nonprofits has never been greater," said Allstate Vice President of Public Social Responsibility, Vicky Dinges. "Which means the groups themselves must be more efficient and more effective than ever. That's what the Foundation's 60th Anniversary Executive Summit was all about." The event brought together leaders from groups focused on the Foundation's two signature issues -- teen safe driving and financial empowerment for victims of domestic violence -- as well as key nonprofits in Allstate's hometown of Chicago. They heard presentations and discussions on using social media, evaluating programs more effectively, understanding legal risks, mobilizing nonprofit boards, fostering financial sustainability, tapping generational diversity within their organizations, and more. Allstate CEO Tom Wilson led off the Summit by providing his personal insights on leadership. He urged participants to define their mission broadly, but to execute programs in very specific, tailored ways. He encouraged them to focus on leadership development throughout the organization, and to embrace change in governance, authority and accountability. As part of a surprise Allstate Foundation 60th Anniversary Summit Grant, attendees were asked to share insights about making their own organizations more effective. With collaboration from Summit participants, the Foundation created a one-time, competitive grant program totaling $600,000 to further the capacity of organizations present. The grant program focuses on leadership development, organizational development and digital development for the nonprofits. Grants between $20,000 and $60,000 each have been awarded to 14 organizations all over the country. The Summit Grant awarded funding to a collaboration between a domestic violence organization, The Spring of Tampa Bay, and a teen safe driving group, More Health, to assess their leadership and organizational strengths and make important decisions about how to expand their programs strategically in order to best meet the needs of the families in their community. The small Writers Theater in Chicago also received funding to create a sophisticated new digital ticketing and database system to help them effectively grow their audience. At the end of a busy day at the Summit, attendees said they were energized and eager to put what they learned into practice. In a post-meeting survey, every respondent answered “yes” when asked if "The Summit helped me understand leadership challenges in ways that will benefit my organization." As one participant put it: "You give new meaning to the phrase 'You're in Good Hands with Allstate.' I appreciate your caring and professional approach to social causes, and the respectful way you treat your community partners."

Better listening drives better results

goodhandsgiveback — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 14:50:59 +0000

Our employees and agency owners are on the ground in nearly every community in the country. That’s why we have been focused for so long on having a positive impact on our local communities. Our strategy for giving back comes from our in-depth understanding of our own communities and also from tapping into a network of nonprofits, investors and employees to help us refine our approach. This year, Allstate’s Social Responsibility Report outlines the results of that strategy and all our work to give back and be a sustainable, responsible corporate citizen. To help fine-tune our social responsibility strategy, Allstate convened a stakeholder panel including representatives from nonprofit groups, investors, opinion leaders and senior-level employees. They discussed issues from climate change to financial literacy and agreed to continue meeting twice a year. The company then conducted a "sustainability materiality assessment" with in-depth input from Allstate's key stakeholder groups -- shareholders, customers, policymakers, communities, employees, and others. The process highlighted common ground and common goals on issues like the environment, diversity, employee satisfaction, safe driving and financial literacy. “Allstate's responsibility to improve local communities is central to our shared vision,” said Allstate Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Tom Wilson. “This commitment not only reflects the respect we have for our customers, it energizes local Allstate agency owners and rewards our people with personal growth and the opportunity to make a difference. We do it because it is who we are, what we believe and what we expect from each other. This year’s report has many inspiring stories of Allstaters making a difference. I am filled with pride when faced with the reality of what we accomplish with talented people and the resources of a large and successful company.” Meanwhile, the company continued to make progress in other areas affecting our stakeholders. Responding to employee input, in 2011 Allstate improved health and wellness offerings, training and professional development programs. Allstate also was named one of America's top 50 companies for diversity by Diversity, Inc. magazine. The company continued to reduce paper usage at corporate headquarters, cutting use in half over the past two years. Allstate's overall carbon footprint declined nine percent in 2011. The Allstate Foundation's program to support domestic violence survivors was significantly expanded. And Allstate was a leading supporter of the STANDUP Act, a federal bill encouraging graduated drivers license standards that became law last June. Listening to and learning from stakeholders, seeking and finding solutions that serve several purposes is becoming ingrained in Allstate's strategy. "There's much more to do," says Allstate Vice President of Public Social Responsibility, Vicky Dinges. "But we've laid the foundation for an ongoing process that will make us better, stronger, more successful. And we're committed to following through.”

Partnering together to support local communities

goodhandsgiveback — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 14:49:24 +0000

[Photo caption: Suren Gupta, Executive Vice President Allstate Technology and Operations, and Jim Towns, agency owner and co-chairman of Agency Executive Council]

With corporate giving campaigns, what matters most: that more people give or that people give more? The answer, of course, is both. But broadening the base of employee contributors is always a good sign -- especially in a time when tighter personal budgets make it harder for individuals to give as much as they'd like. That was the experience with Allstate's 2012 companywide giving campaign, which received more than $4.4 million from Allstate employees and agency owners. Matched by a 20 percent corporate contribution, the result was more than $5.3 million donated to 7,600 nonprofit organizations across the country. While that total was less than the previous year, the number of Allstate employees who contributed rose by eight percent nationwide. "You always want to top last year's dollar total," said Patricia Garza, Allstate Director of Strategic Philanthropy. "But increasing the participation rate is great news because giving becomes a habit. People see their money put to work in their own communities, and that encourages them to give again -- and involve others -- the next year." Giving coordinators around the country used inventive incentives to increase participation. In Allstate’s Stockton, California Market Claim Office, managers cooked and served meals to employees who gave. Prizes -- including San Francisco Giants tickets and a Napa Valley wine tasting trip -- were promised if three out of four employees contributed to the campaign. They easily topped that goal, with 86 percent giving, compared with 51 percent the previous year. Elsewhere, coordinators asked employees to share personal stories about why they donate to their favorite charities. Others suggested giving in the name of friends or family to causes like breast cancer awareness. Both agency owners and employees logged onto the Giving Campaign website to share stories and donations. And everywhere, givers cited the good that any size contribution can do. "At any time, one of us could need the assistance of these organizations," said coordinator Laura Spadafora in the New Yorkregion. "Even the smallest amount is welcome because, in large numbers, the Giving Campaign really does make a big difference."

Fan the flames of volunteerism

goodhandsgiveback — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 14:46:59 +0000

How do you energize already-enthusiastic employee volunteers to build on that commitment in their communities? You give them some skin in the game, by allowing them to choose which groups or programs they support. And you back them with grants to help pay expenses for their projects. That was the strategy behind Allstate's first companywide Week of Service, held August 6-11 in hometowns across America. John Bengston, an Allstate employee in Northbrook, Illinois jumped at the chance to help Habitat for Humanity of Fox Valley. “Knowing I have Allstate’s support to lead a volunteer project benefiting a nonprofit that offers so much is a great feeling. And for my employer to back that up with a $500 challenge grant really takes our community support to another level,” said John. "We all have causes close to home and close to our hearts," said Craig Keller, Allstate director of public social responsibility. "This was a way for Allstaters everywhere to tap that personal passion." Employees could find existing volunteer opportunities to join through VolunteerMatch, submit their own proposals, work with local Allstate Helping Hands Committees, or support Allstate Foundation signature programs on teen safe driving and domestic violence. They also could apply for 150 "Challenge Grants" of $500 each, to help cover the cost of project supplies and expenses. The effort also partnered with Feeding America, a leading national hunger-relief organization, for service projects near Allstate's largest offices. All told, an estimated 2,700 Allstate employees, agency owners, friends and family took part in 290 Week of Service events across the country. "As we expected, our people really got behind this idea and made the most of the opportunity," said Keller. "We're already planning for next year's Week of Service, and I’m confident it will be even bigger than what we were able to achieve in our inaugural year."

How to Find a Job with Purpose (and Income) In Your Retirement Years

Pauline Hammerbeck — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 12:06:34 +0000

Marci Alboher is a leading voice in the advocacy of encore careers—later-in-life work that combine personal meaning, continued income and social impact. Marci has been rethinking the world of work since she created the popular Shifting Careers column for The New York Times. Now a vice president at Encore.org, a non-profit think tank, Alboher recently chatted with The Allstate Blog about finding a job in retirement.

Allstate Blog: You’ve been writing about the workplace for years—when did the idea of an “encore career” hit your radar? Alboher: Back in 2007, I interviewed Marc Freedman who coined the phrase “encore careers” and wrote about it for one of my New York Times’ columns. I became intrigued about the idea of a new stage of work sitting where retirement used to sit, and the idea of taking what had traditionally been seen as the leftover years and, instead, fashioning them into something with great meaning. AB: Boomers are now entering this stage, but isn't there a great debate over what that’s going to mean for society? A: The wave of aging baby boomers is often portrayed as a big problem, as if the great grey wave of retirees will bleed the Social Security coffers. Instead, why not look at this as a windfall of talent available to solve big social problems. Encore careers can provide a triple win by affording people a way to make a difference in the world and in their own lives, and make a living too. AB: How big is the encore career movement? A: Our latest research shows that 9 million people are currently doing work we define as an encore career: a second act with a contribution to greater good. And 31 million more are interested. AB: Is this a boomer-specific trend? A: Boomers might be the first generation to really think about the idea of 20 bonus years packed on to life. But boomers are just the first to enter this stage. The encore pioneers are reminiscent of the early wave of women who broke barriers in the workplace. And like those pioneers, future generations may not think there’s anything unusual about people embarking on ambitious second and third acts, or having a job after retirement. AB: So, who is the typical candidate for an encore career? A: There’s no one-size-fits-all. Some people hit an “is this all there is moment” and they’re ripe for reinvention. Others are spurred to action after a layoff, or some other significant life event. I’ve also talked to countless women, who started careers and then interrupted them for a period of full-on parenting. By the time those women re-enter the workplace in their fifties, they often feel as if they are beginning their careers from scratch. They’re perfect candidates for encore careers. AB: Where are the most likely job prospects?

Boomers might be the first generation to really think about the idea of 20 bonus years packed on to life.

A: Most encore opportunities seem to fall into five categories: education, healthcare, the environment, government and the nonprofit world. If you’re looking at where the most hiring will be, definitely consider healthcare. Nurses, physician assistants, and all kinds of medical support positions are projected to be in demand for the foreseeable future. There are also a variety of newer healthcare roles and many of them—like wellness coaches and health care navigators—don’t even require a medical background. Many people are also drawn to working with young people in their encore years – either as teachers or in other roles in schools. Teachers in special education, math and science are in particular demand. As lifelong learning becomes more prevalent, that will create more jobs. AB: What about the idea of age bias? Does it still exist? A: Certainly. And the best remedy is to be current in your field. Age bias tends to come up a lot less when you have the proper credentials and training for a role. If you don’t have the background needed, consider taking classes or volunteering to pick up what you need. The flipside of age bias is that there are some areas where older people have an advantage. So, look for opportunities where life experience and collective wisdom are appreciated—coaching and mentoring are attractive to people in this life stage. And this is why healthcare is frequently such a good fit. AB: How simple is the transition into this new stage of work? A: It’s not easy. It takes a lot of time. Our research shows that the average transition, where people are often not earning an income, is 18 months. AB: What’s the best way to start preparing for an encore career? A: My number one tip: plan as far ahead as you can! What can you be doing now to set yourself up? Put money aside for the time when you’re working on retooling (whether it’s going back to school, retraining, or just taking time to transition). You also want to do some work that’s internal, to find out what you want to do in this next stage. It may be a long time since they’ve checked in with yourself, and you may find that what you want now is quite different than what you wanted the last time you asked yourself that question. But a word of caution: You can take self assessments and do “What Color is Your Parachute” and all that, but, ultimately, you need to get out of your head and into the world. Go to events, network in new communities, and volunteer in areas that speak to you. It’s the best way to narrow things down, cross things off your list and hone ideas. Photo credit: Marcia Ciriello.

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Coming to work for more than just a paycheck

goodhandsgiveback — Wed, 30 May 2012 21:17:42 +0000

In this tight economy, corporations have come to discover what many nonprofits have long understood – a paycheck is not the only factor that keeps employees invested in their jobs. At Allstate, we’ve long taken a holistic approach to employee compensation, and have found some new strategies to compliment the typical pay and benefits to help us empower employees. For years we’ve made the most of programs like career planning, professional development and volunteer recognition as some of our strongest employee retention tools. This April, we expanded these efforts to include a new program to build the personal financial well-being of our employees. The financial fitness program builds on our success with the Allstate well-being programs, which champions a holistic approach to employee well-being that includes helping employees in their journey to become physically energized, financially strong, emotionally connected and mentally focused. Last month – designated by Allstate as Financial Fitness month, to coincide with Financial Literacy Month – employees were given the chance to boost their financial fitness by attending financial literacy workshops on topics from homeownership to retirement readiness. Since Allstate’s employee wellness program launched in April 2011, employees have been encouraged to take advantage of a robust lineup of initiatives including a day and half workshop on their well-being, discounted healthy food options in our cafeterias and a program that gave employees an accelerometer to clip to their shoes and track their steps. Our goal is to not only help prepare Allstate employees for the future, but also to help them feel valued and supported at work. Allstate invests a lot in its employees and this education helps them maximize the value of that investment.

Nearly 50 and Laid Off: Finding a Job in Retirement

Marilyn Katz — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:57:30 +0000

When I was busy enjoying my 20s and 30s, I had a vision of being set in my career by the time I reached my 50s, at which point I’d coast along for a few years until I could enjoy a traditional retirement. I learned a demanding, technical skill, worked hard, set money aside, and watched my expenses, thinking it was all within reach. My approach may seem naive now, in light of the housing bust, the global recession and other economic upheavals. But, in some ways, I was lucky. I hit a wall in my 40s. Demand for my formerly in-demand technical skills started falling because of overseas outsourcing and technology changes. I scrambled to adjust and keep up. Everything I knew about staying employed, or even getting employment, just stopped working. Meanwhile, my shorter term goals kept piling on the financial obligations. I felt forced to drain off retirement savings and run up credit card bills. While I seemed to work harder and harder, my previous vision of retirement evaporated. After some careful reflection, I realized I was making two main mistakes:

I kept doing the same old things
I really wasn’t willing to adapt to a new labor market

So, why am I telling the whole world about my failures? To explain that, yes, I have been there. I know the fear and ego battering that results from getting laid off as an older worker. But, more importantly, I’m sharing my story because, while it took a while, I did make the adjustment and I know others can make a similar change.

Consider the midlife career dilemma

While I was struggling to find employment I was also suddenly feeling the overwhelming need to do something more fulfilling. Of course, at the very same time, I also felt the overwhelming need to keep the electric bill paid (I had kids to feed and car payments to make). I began by trying out a couple of different career fields, trying to “get in” at the bottom. But I quickly realized that neither option was something I wanted to do for the next few decades. I was approaching 50, but I still faced the prospect of working for 20 or 30 more years. I wanted to do something better, and I wanted to do it right away.

Solve unemployment with self-employment

For me, the solution was self-employment. I managed to leverage 30 years of work experience to slowly create a viable business model for myself. I started small, on nights and weekends, and then ultimately left my previous day job behind for a new career in online publishing. I am now a big believer in solving unemployment with self-employment. Almost everybody has a skill or talent that can provide value to others. If you have reached a point where you dislike having others telling you what to accomplish during the day, it may be time to start telling yourself what to do.

Self-assess your way to a career change

On the other hand, self-employment is not for everybody. If you’re in the market for a midlife career change, you may need actual employment, and you may need to find it quickly. Begin with a good analysis of your situation. I spent 20 years as a systems analyst, but it took me years to start applying those skills to my own problems. Hopefully, the following points can help speed up the process for you:

Can you move to a different city? A lot of older workers do not want to relocate, but this may be the real key to landing a good job in your career field.
Can you apply your experience to a slightly different career in another industry? While manufacturing jobs may be in short supply, health care jobs keep growing. Both fields can use people with management, technical, or sales skills.
Do you need some quick job retraining? Take advantage of classes online or at a local community college. These may demonstrate that you are a person who is willing to work to keep yourself updated with technology and trends.
Is your resume dating you? The way I learned to build a resume and cover letter, decades ago, is not what employers look for today. I would invest time learning how to make an updated resume, or I would invest some money in a good resume service.

Stay flexible and make a step

Of course, these questions have complicated answers. And you are the one who knows what’s right for your particular situation. But it’s important that you stay flexible. Most of the stories I’ve read about people experiencing long-term unemployment illustrate a lack of flexibility on their part. Even if it’s just developing a more open mindset, you can start fixing your situation today. One day and one step at a time.

Guest blogger Marilyn Katz is the founder of the Over 50 Website, which is dedicated to topics that concern today’s baby boomers.

Employees help unleash innovation as The Allstate Foundation turns 60

goodhandsgiveback — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:22:56 +0000

A 1952 memo to Allstate managers introduced the newly formed Allstate Foundation: “We owe the community and nation from which we derive our livelihood all the reasonable philanthropic assistance we can give. Any corporation or individual that does not discharge its social responsibility is indeed shortsighted.”

Over the last 60 years, The Allstate Foundation has stayed true to that vision and contributed nearly $300 million to community organizations and initiatives. While the Foundation’s goals and partners may have changed over the years, our commitment to civic leadership has remained the same. As Donald Craib, former Allstate chairman and CEO, said in 1982, “Today, it’s clear that our stockholders and customers not only want us to be involved in the community, they expect us to be.”

To launch The Allstate Foundation’s 60th anniversary celebration this year, Allstate employees are giving the Foundation the ultimate gift – innovative ideas for investing grants in local communities. We have always relied heavily on Allstate’s inventive workforce to guide our giving. This year, during Allstate’s annual Innovation Week and as part of International Corporate Philanthropy Day on Feb. 27, employees in 60 offices will be asked: “If your office had grant support to make an innovative difference in your community, how would you invest it?” Employees will vote for the best idea. Each of the 60 employees whose ideas get the most votes will receive an Allstate Foundation grant for a community service organization of his or her choice. In this milestone year, we’re turning once again to one of our best resources – our creative employees – to help Allstate “discharge its social responsibility.”

The post Employees help unleash innovation as The Allstate Foundation turns 60 appeared first on The Allstate Blog.

Market Yourself for a Promotion…and More Money

Admin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:49:35 +0000

When I first started with my company, I put in a lot of late hours and weekends trying to master my new role—and prove they’d hired the right person. Eventually, I learned the ins and outs of my job and regained my personal life. This was great for a while, but as time passed, I missed that feeling of being challenged each day. Plus, I knew that earning a larger salary would help me meet the financial goals I had for the next few years, like buying a home and new car.

In today’s job market and economy, it seems there are only two ways to increase your salary: Switch jobs to a higher-paying position, or ask for a promotion. Few and far between are the times when people are given raises simply based upon performance or cost-of-living increases. You’ve either got to ask for it, or go find it. I’ve never been the type of person to wait for good things to happen but I also wanted to stay with my employer, so I decided to work toward the promotion I wanted. Here a few tips that helped me move up the company ladder:

Highlight your contributions

In order to make a move up the ladder, you’ve got to show your co-workers and supervisors you’ve got what it takes. You don’t want to brag, but don’t downplay your successes, either. During weekly status meetings with my boss, I made sure to mention goals I’d helped my team reach since our last meeting and future benchmarks I planned to meet. This helped show that I had the potential to take on more responsibility—and do so with confidence!

Don’t be shy about career goals

Your chances of a promotion improve dramatically if someone actually knows you’d like one. Use a little word-of-mouth marketing and, when appropriate, talk about your goals with your boss and other co-workers. Just be sure to keep the focus on your desire to be challenged and grow in your role with the company, not on your desire to earn more money. Also, see if someone higher up would be interested in mentoring you. Before my promotion, I had lunch with a senior co-worker once a month to discuss my progress. She helped me see work situations in a totally new light—and provided a ton of constructive advice.

Dress for the job you want

Whether your aspiration stems from wanting a larger salary—one to help you save for a new car or the home of your dreams—or you’d just like more responsibility, put some thought toward the job you see yourself doing a year or two from now. Then, start acting the part. I took cues from people who had the position I wanted, taking a look at how they dressed, spoke with other employees, and contributed to meetings and brainstorm sessions. I also tried to show leadership skills in less formal ways, such as helping to organize the company’s holiday party. While it took a few months for my “strategy” to pay off, I’m glad that I took control of my career instead of waiting for someone else to notice my hard work. Now, when I get up in the morning, I’m not exactly sure what to expect—but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

5 Lessons We’ve Learned from Today’s Economy

Brendan — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:06:07 +0000

The last five years has been a rollercoaster in the global economy. From the bursting of the housing bubble, to the fall of Lehman Brothers, to the escalating Greek debt crisis, many ordinary workers are dealing with the fallout from all of this uncertainty. Here are five lessons that today’s economic unpredictability has taught us about our personal finances.

Don't take on too much debt. Debt is a manageable expense during the good times and a burden during the bad times. If you are faced with an unsustainable situation, seek debt advice or debt counseling. Many times lenders are interested in working out a deal. A debt settlement or agreement will help them get some money back and help minimize the hit on your credit. Have liquidity. In times of economic uncertainty, cash is king. Having liquidity in cash or cash equivalent money market funds will allow you to make investments, maintain access to funds, and if you are anything like me, sleep more soundly at night. Cash is an important element in sound personal finances. The housing crash of 2007 has demonstrated that home equity – which can vanish overnight and may take years to recover - is no replacement for good ol’ cash. Keep saving. If you have been tightening your belt for the past several years, recession fatigue might be setting in. Splurge on small treats, but if at all possible, keep saving. A healthy emergency fund is crucial in an unstable economy, because it will be your first line of defense against unemployment or other unexpected expenses. Be appropriately insured. Among competing demands for the family dollar, insurance might seem like an afterthought. But it’s penny wise and pound foolish to get rid of insurance. Given that many medical emergencies and illnesses cause bankruptcies, it is essential to maintain some form of health insurance if you can. Also, don’t forget about life insurance or car insurance. To make sure you are getting the best value, adjust your deductibles to as high as you can afford, and make sure you are not over- or underinsured. Invest in your career. For most people, earnings from their career is their most important wealth-generating asset. When layoffs are rampant, it is crucial to continue to pursue career advancement through networking, skills training, and establishing and protecting your reputation within the industry. Even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend, there are easy-on-the-budget ways to career advancement. Go to a Toastmasters meeting to hone your public speaking skills. Check out free web tutorials on the latest Excel macros. Set aside $20 every month to take a colleague out to coffee. These tips are especially important in a world where the national unemployment nears 10 percent and financial markets gyrate wildly. But no matter what the world economy is like, these lessons will help you establish and maintain sound personal finances.

Well Heeled is a guest blogger from WellHeeledBlog. In exchange for sharing this content, the Allstate Community has compensated her via cash payment.