What's the company culture at USAA?

I would never work or do buisness with USAA again. They are an obsolute disgrace to everything and everyone they encounter. The management is full of small minded 'yes' people, most of whom I would not trust to do my laundry much less lead a group of people. They promote the most dispicable brown nosers and the policies change with the wind. In short, I do not hesitate to degrade USAA, their products and their 'loyal' employee's at every turn.
Anyone who stays working there is either on the fast track to sellout-ville or to the sanatarium.
The scheduling program does indeed 'tell you when to go to the bathroom'. If you clock out before your alloted time, some 'manager' (they are just glorified supervisors) will hurry away from their chat with the other managers and ask, "What's wrong?!?! Is everything ok?!?!" This is a none-too subtle way to make you feel stupid about taking a bathroom break.
Remeber this, anyone who has to look someone in the face and can treat them like garbage will always treat the unseen 'customer' much worse. This place should go out of buisness!

VERY happy ex-employee in Sacramento, California said: There was always something wrong. Also, the stress is way too much. They expect you to do the work of 3 people.

About the comments about the computer telling you when to go to the bathroom :):)

USAA has a software built into their computer system that has your schedule in it for each day. You have to log into it every morning and then it will tell you that it is time for your break, lunch, meeting or whatever. You have to acknowledge it each time so the computer knows how long you have been gone. God Forbid you are gone more than your allotted time. You will be fired for doing that. You also have to be sure to take as many phone calls as your peers or you will be fired for that too. The benefits are good, but the stress is not worth it.

One last thing - after the training they will "throw you to the wolves" and expect you to handle calls right away, so you better get comfortable on the phone fast!! I can't believe I waited as long as I did to leave. I am SO MUCH more happy now!!!!

That was funny about the computer telling you when to go to the bathroom--I knew right away what that person was talking about--the IEX. I sign into that if I get time, but I get up and go to the bathroom as I please. If someone told me I couldn't go, they would soon find themselves in a court room. I'm from the east coast, and we don't put up with that crap there.
In the call center in San Antonio, they seem to be pretty nice so far. They do hound about certain things, and they do want you to work the job of 3 people. It doesn't bother me, I just go in, do what I can, get my 'greedy money' and smile all the way to the bank. I guess I've been through so much with past employers I really don't care any more. If I don't work there, then I'll work some place else. Makes no difference to me! God Bless you folks who are suffering so much. Don't take USAA,or anything else too seriously.It's only a job.

You know it really is just a job. And most of the managers in claims are glad to have you there. Yeah, there is a lot of work, but my goodness it's not that bad. Just go in, do your job, do it right, and you go home.

So, understand that Davis has hired some consultants to help create a "kinder, gentler" workplace...anyone know anything more about that?

Also, rest assured that USAA does NOT own this board...although I'm sure that they'd like to...I can just see it now...Bob wringing his hands in frustration that he can't control this...that current and former employees finally have a forum to tell the truth about the death star on Fredericksburg...the truth about his tyranical...no that's not the right word...his dictatorial management style. Catch a clue Bob...you're a smart businessman (nobody disputes that)...but your people can't stand you, your management team is only there because you pay them the big bucks to sell their souls to the devil and the San Antonio community doesn't know you exist. Nice existence, huh?

Bobby in Seattle, Washington said: So, understand that Davis has hired some consultants to help create a "kinder, gentler" workplace...anyone know anything more about that?

Also, rest assured that USAA does NOT own this board...although I'm sure that they'd like to...I can just see it now...Bob wringing his hands in frustration that he can't control this...that current and former employees finally have a forum to tell the truth about the death star on Fredericksburg...the truth about his tyranical...no that's not the right word...his dictatorial management style. Catch a clue Bob...you're a smart businessman (nobody disputes that)...but your people can't stand you, your management team is only there because you pay them the big bucks to sell their souls to the devil and the San Antonio community doesn't know you exist. Nice existence, huh?

That's the rumor I'm hearing as well, that Bob has told his direct reports to filter down through the mgt lay terso ease up on the employees. We'll have to see. Next week's employee meeting may provide a clue.

Bobby, move on, get a job, do something positive with your life.

PHX Senior in Surprise, Arizona said: I have worked for USAA at the Phoenix office since the building opened in 2001. I have had a great experience working for them. Many of these postings state they want us to be a "Yes" man or woman. I have found quite the opposite in my department. We are rewarded for giving ideas to better the company and for speaking up if we think something doesn't sound right. I currently work in the Insurance side of USAA. I saw above where they say the computer tells you when you can take a bathroom break. Maybe that is in another department, however in my department yes we have schedule breaks two 20 minute breaks and a 35 minute lunch, but if you have to use the restroom use it. The only time I have seen them ask for a doctors note was due to an employee was going 6-7 times a day for 15-20 minutes at a time. We are a call center and our job is to be on the phone. We have great benefits, they pay for us to go to school, and we get a Christmas bonus of 2 weeks pay and a bonus in February of approx 15% of our yearly. We also receive decent pay raises. Since I started there I have gone up over 3-7% a year. I am not in management and have had both good and bad managers. Like any job. Yes, there is work politics, but what company does not have that. I will admit that the phones are not for everyone and I know several who have left due to that. I think anyone looking to apply for USAA should go in with an open mind.

I work in claims in the Phoenix office. I am worn out & like many others I know there, I take medication on a daily basis to be able to cope with my job. You are either very lucky or able to deal with overwork, stress, understaffing, lack of understanding from usaa management, favortism when it comes to promotions, and the monthly Bob Davis video meetings where we get to hear what awful employees we are. Not to mention trying to support my family on usaa claim's starting salary of $29 grand a year.

While I am first to admit the bonus structure is very nice ( I hesitate to call it generous as the employee's earn EVERY cent they get), there is a typical USAA twist to it. They dangle it out in front of our noses all year, and then play games with you right before it's due in Feburary.
The shift differental is also SUPER enticing at 30%...until you actually hear what they tell you. Having worked at several companies that offered a shift diff it's typically 10 - 15% depending on the shift. At USAA you get 30%, but here's the catch, it's only for the hours worked.... So, one hour over their arbitrary time and you get 30% on one hour. EVERY other company pays all your time at diff, or nothing.
They operate in such a sleazy maner it forces one to question everything that they tell you, just because their MO is the lie of omission.
Oh, and that wonderful bonus in Feburary? Boob Davis actually had the gall to say that we should feel lucky we got anything! This company has made record profits, what ever nonsense they try to say when it comes to pay up, and someof my fellow co-workers are so ignorant that they actually chimmed in, "Yeah, I don't think any of us deserve a bonus." It's a sad day when your own co-workers are THAT stupid! Incidentally that individual decided that he would rather re-enlist in the Marines and go off to Iraq than continue working at USAA.... so not the sharpest tool in the shed in any event.

IT Employee in San Antonio, Texas said: I was recently terminated from USAA's IT department for a "crime" I did not commit. I was amazed and astonished by thier assumptions of me. I was told I was a liar and couldn't be trusted and because of this assumption the company never bothered to investigate other possible scenarios of what may have caused the issue I was terminated for. I was very proud to work for that company and took my job very seriously but after how I was treated I would never recommend anyone to go work there. You have to work on pins and needles in constant fear that you will get fired over something as innocent as sending a "hi" email to a friend outside the company (that was not the reason behind my termination but I know of situations where others were fired for that very reason). The stress level is very high and if you buck the system or question management you will be deemed as unengaged. As someone stated they definitely want a "yes" man / women and do not want employees with an opinion. I would proceed working in IT as USAA with caution.

The stress level is extrememely high created by "crisis managment". Not only are your emails scrutinized but your telephone calls are recorded and there are cameras everywhere - including over your desk. The fear of losing your job for just sneezing is real --- I worked in the Real Estate Acquisitions department for five years under constant crisis conditions --- when I left it took me some time to stop pacing the floor constantly. I am just thankful that I left when I did and I can look back on the experience to guide me to what I really want --- for afterall, after working at USAA I now know what I don't want.

Soon to be out in San Antonio, Texas said: I have been considering of applying for employment with USAA and was researching company information about them and found this site awhile back. I am soon to retire from the military. I have asked numerous people that work for USAA what they think about the company. I have only had one person that was negative. I have spoken with around 100 people in various departments. From what I can tell there are about 10 people no longer employed with USAA posting on this site. Some repeatedly, I think that its odd for a person to keep posting negatives about a company they no longer are employed with. I recommend you seek counseling. I have also been researching other companies, all of them have message boards similar to this, but USAA has the fewest postings I have found. I know that if any of the companies I apply for, offer me a job with a nice pay and benifits I am going to take it, I can always resigne and the experience would be benificial. Just my input from an old guy to young job seekers. If you do not like USAA the Army is always looking for new personnel. Except for you disgruntled past employees, your postings imply to much repressed anger. Please do not shoot anyone. Best wishes to all.

You can only understand the intensity of the "regressed anger" after having the experience of working at USAA. Just give it time. These postings are true and correct! These people are not even telling you the worst "experiences".

Dr. Phil said: Bobby, move on, get a job, do something positive with your life.

Dr. Phil...trust me...I have moved on and am doing many more positive things with my life now that I don't work at USAA. I just find it fascinating (and worth some of my free time) to hear some of the stories that still go on behind the new fancy rock fence over on Fredericksburg...it's like a car wreck...you just can't help but looking. Thanks for your concern, though...

What are the pay raises like at USAA? Are you guys able to come out with decent (4-5% or more) increases each year if you have a good yearly review?

It seems times have not changed pertaining to the "bathroom". I worked for them up until 1996 and the last straw was one of the Manager's telling me "the other bathroom is closer". She made her remarks before she knew what I was doing. I got off the phone to get some water since I took over 80 phone calls and my throat was killing me. I waited for my bonus and then I left.

I had the unfortunate experience of dealing with them again during CAT duty as an Independent Adjuster. One of their nasty Cat Managers humiliated my boss right in front of me. My boss was a sixty year old man and this punk was around 30 years old. I had to leave the room because I felt the urge to knock the little punk out. The other 60 year old manager was a former Vietnam veteran. A Purple Heart recipient. A war hero. He and another manager treated him like dirt. It was disgusting. I swore I would jump off a bridge or go on the welfare before ever doing work for them again. I don't care how much they pay.
A lot of the former Adjusters that have worked at many other companies feel the same way. If you are an Examiner and are pulling your hair as to why some of the reports and estimates come in poorly, it is because the ones with experience have had it with little punks like the one I met a few years ago. Some of the things they pull are also unethical. For example changing Xactimate recommended pricing to a lower price to try and save money. Or telling people things are not covered when they are covered. Let me tell all of you something. I know they pay well for what you know. Unfortunately, you don't know all that you could know. There is a lot more to learn and a lot more money to make. I'm glad I'm out of there. My arms don't hurt anymore from all of the typing I had to do for them and I'm able to go pee without getting permission like I did when I was a five-year old.

Host said: Every business has it's own style. What is the office environment and culture like at USAA?

Are people dressed in business casual, jeans and t-shirts, or full-on suits? Do folks get together for Friday happy hours and friendly get-togethers?

What is a typical day in the life of an employee at USAA?

You must be kidding. The office environment is poor. You feel as if you are in a jail cell. So what if you dress in business casual. You will end up wearing a straight jacket if you work there. You get a half hour lunch and if you could talk to someone in less than a minute you are doing better than anyone else. They will stare at you. I think the only get togethers on a Friday would be a vent off. I can tell you what a typical evening is after working a day at USAA. You go to bed depressed and early.

Host said: Every business has it's own style. What is the office environment and culture like at USAA?

Are people dressed in business casual, jeans and t-shirts, or full-on suits? Do folks get together for Friday happy hours and friendly get-togethers?

What is a typical day in the life of an employee at USAA?

A typical day at USAA is like being in prison! Bob Davis is like a warren. He has let his GREED and SELFISHNESS has virtuall destroyed USAA long time employees culture. All Uncle Bob care about is "hbow much money he can put in his pocket". He has no care r respect for the employees ( the real asset of the company). His mode of operation is to fire, layoff or cut the long time employees in order that he can show the Board how he has increased the profit for a certain time period. This nothing but a game to him so he can increase his year end bonus.He then have Human Resources to replace these long time experience employees with inexperience young people for one-third the salary.He has been doing this for the last six years. Service to the members is at an all time low. Complaints is at an all time high. Employees moral is the lowest that it has ever been. Everyone hate to come to work and can't wait for the day to end. There is very little loyalty and pride left at USAA. How the Board continue to let Uncle Bob run this company is a mystery to me. He is one of the worest CEO that I can think of to ever lead USAA, which use to be "One of the Best 100 Companies to Work For" in the world, but no ,onger thanks to Uncle Bob's GREED!!!!!!!!!!!!

Curious in Sacramento, California said: What are the pay raises like at USAA? Are you guys able to come out with decent (4-5% or more) increases each year if you have a good yearly review?

Pay varies depending upon yearly "performance." Which is subjective. Normally, if you "meet expectations" you'll get a 2-4% raise depending upon what your current salary is relative to your salary range and your peers. Expect a 3%, however, most years. If you "exceed" or "far exceed" expectations, you can expect more, but those ratings are hard to get. If you "partially meet" expectations you probably won't get any raise and the best you'll do on the bonus is 50% of the amount. Get a "below" expectations and you're pretty much out the door.

Host said: Every business has it's own style. What is the office environment and culture like at USAA?

Are people dressed in business casual, jeans and t-shirts, or full-on suits? Do folks get together for Friday happy hours and friendly get-togethers?

What is a typical day in the life of an employee at USAA?

Yes we are rewarded with casual dress once bob davis reviews the participation results for united way - just something else that is held over our heads like the yearly bonus.
There are no Friday nite get togethers that I am aware of. There are some great employees working in Phoenix but with the work load, the scheduling and so on, there is no time for socialization or to make plans outside of work.
A typical day is alot of work, alot of stress, being around other unhappy people, listening to the member's complaints about the lack of customer service and poor response time on claims, feeling isolated, seeing co workers burst into tears at their desks, etc. Or worse are the ones who play the yes game and act happy because they think it is going to get them somewhere in the company.
I have only been with USAA a couple of years and had some kind of crazy idea the culture and employee satisfaction was better in San Antonio or Tampa. Now reading these forums, I realize this is not just a Phoenix thing - it is company wide for the most part. We are very programmed to tell people USAA is a great place to work at. I am very unhappy but if someone I meet asks me I still say by rote, Oh yes it is a great company to work for. Great benefits and all. I don't want to sound like a whiner after spending over a year trying to get hired by this company that was reported to be one of the top places to work in Phoenix. The building might be more fancier, but it is still a sweat shop call center.

Ya know...beyond his being a tyrant...beyond him possessing less-than-adequate leadership...beyond his obvious Napoleon complex...Davis' biggest problem is his lack of respect and empathy for others. With respect to employees, this has been discussed at length on this board. But I will never, never forget the lack of empathy or class that he showed when McD passed away last year. Did anyone read his quote in the Express-News? It clearly was written by Wendi Strong and her minions in the PR department. How heartless. I know he didn't like McD...but if it weren't for him, then Davis wouldn't have had a company to drive into the ground. Show a little class next time Bob and at least pretend.

Somebody PLEASE let us know what happens at the employee meeting next week...

I knew what Bobby was made out of as soon as he spoke about the German Volkswagen workers and how they, and he could hardly keep back his disgust, work a mere 30 hours a week and have 7 weeks vacation. Um, and there's something wrong with having 10 extra hours a week and 5 extra weeks a year to enjoy one's life and family?!? He trumpeted the third world labor conditions that corporations exploit in nearby Eastern Europe. I was waiting for him to tell us how he was implementing similar policies at USAA.

The sad thing, USAA and Bob Davis are not aberations. They are not something gone off course, but buisness as usual in America. This my friends is the product of capitalism and it's bankrupt notions of human life in balance with corporate profit. Very soon we will no longer own our country and will be reduced to serfdom.

I think someone mentioned that the corporate masters were hiring a consulting firm to learn how to treat people better and play nicely? Am I the only one laughing out loud? If you NEED someone else, especially a paid consultant, to tell you how to be a decent human being, perhaps that's the first admission that there is little hope left for you.

I for one could characterize 99% of the supervisors and managers I interacted with as small minded hacks without the slightest inclination of an original thought.
I second that, please let us know I could use the laugh!

There have been no comments regarding the training received at USAA. I have been in training for almost two months, and I still have no idea what I am doing.
Also, there are a few people in my training group that have missed three days, and they are still employed, so being absent must not be a criteria for getting fired.
So far I like working at USAA. I've worked for Nationwide and Progressive, and from my experience, all insurance companies treat their employees, and customers the same.

" There have been no comments regarding the training received at USAA. I have been in training for almost two months, and I still have no idea what I am doing."

" So far I like working at USAA. "

................................................................................
That's funny.

Still in training (not doing the job yet), no idea what you are doing, and so far you like working at USAA.

LOL

Teri in Wesley Chapel, Florida said:
That's funny.

Still in training (not doing the job yet), no idea what you are doing, and so far you like working at USAA.

LOL

So?

The guy may not be an expert on USAA, but some people (ie: me) are interested in how the training is, and what initial views/perceptions of the company and work environment are. Not everything here has to be a bitter ball of contempt.

Miss176 in Davis, California said: So?

The guy may not be an expert on USAA, but some people (ie: me) are interested in how the training is, and what initial views/perceptions of the company and work environment are. Not everything here has to be a bitter ball of contempt.

You must not work at USAA!

I have been reading this site since its inception and nothing could be more true. I have recovered my sanity and dignity and am so glad to be off this modern-day Titanic. I would love to share my thoughts, but fear of retribution prevents me from publishing them here. I will, however, share a little funny sent to me by a friend which speaks volumes to Bob Davis' USAA - Enjoy it!

A Japanese company (Toyota) and an American company (General Motors)decided
to have a canoe race on the Missouri River. Both teams practiced long and hard to reach their peak performance before the race.
On the big day, the Japanese won by a mile. The Americans, very discouraged and depressed, decided to investigate the reason for the crushing defeat. A management team made up of senior management was formed to investigate and recommend appropriate action. Their conclusion was the Japanese had 8 people rowing and 1 person steering, while the American team had 8 people steering and 1 person rowing. Feeling a deeper study was in order, American management hired a consulting company and paid them a large amount of money for a second opinion. They advised, of course, that too many people were steering the boat, while not enough people were rowing. Not sure of how to utilize that information, but wanting to prevent another loss to the Japanese, the rowing team's management structure was totally reorganized to 4 steering supervisors, 3 area steering superintendents and 1 assistant superintendent steering manager. They also implemented a new performance system that would give the 1 person rowing the boat greater incentive to work harder. It was called the 'Rowing Team Quality First
Program,' with meetings, dinners and free pens for the rower. There was discussion of getting new paddles, canoes and other equipment, extra vacation days for practices and bonuses. The next year the Japanese won by two miles. Humiliated, the American
management laid off the rower for poor performance,

Here is the end of the story:

Humiliated the American management laid off the rower for poor performance, halted development of a new canoe, sold the paddles, and canceled all capital investments for new equipment. The money saved was distributed to the Senior Executives as bonuses and the next year's racing team was out-sourced to India.

Read this just made my day! Hope it makes yours.

Liberated in October 2006 in San Antonio, Texas

5 minutes ago

I have been reading this site since its inception and nothing could be more true. I have recovered my sanity and dignity and am so glad to be off this modern-day Titanic. I would love to share my thoughts, but fear of retribution prevents me from publishing them here. I will, however, share a little funny sent to me by a friend which speaks volumes to Bob Davis' USAA - Enjoy it!

A Japanese company (Toyota) and an American company (General Motors)decided
to have a canoe race on the Missouri River. Both teams practiced long and hard to reach their peak performance before the race.
On the big day, the Japanese won by a mile. The Americans, very discouraged and depressed, decided to investigate the reason for the crushing defeat. A management team made up of senior management was formed to investigate ... etc.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liberated, I have not had such a good, hard belly laugh like this in a long, long time. Thank you !!! One thing though, was the team really called 'Rowing Team Quality First Program" or just RTQFP? Isn't General Motors real big on acronyms for everything ???

Miss176 in Davis, California

2 hours ago

Teri in Wesley Chapel, Florida said:
That's funny.

Still in training (not doing the job yet), no idea what you are doing, and so far you like working at USAA.

LOL

So?

The guy may not be an expert on USAA, but some people (ie: me) are interested in how the training is, and what initial views/perceptions of the company and work environment are. Not everything here has to be a bitter ball of contempt.

----------- sorry, you took me all wrong. I wasn't being mean spirited at all, just saying how so far you like the company but it's really too early to tell, don't you think? ... since not "working a desk" yet, don't have you manager yet, etc., but are someone isolated in training with a lunch break and many other breaks? Give it time....give it time. Also, 2 months of training and have no idea what you are doing? What does that say about the training program? ... no ill will at all, i'm sorry i offended you.

I just noticed, if you do a search on other companies, most of which are more name-recognizeable than USAA, there are relatively few comments compared to the 400+ on this board. These employees sure have a lot to say and want to be heard and aire their opinions and grievances somehow.

teri in Wesley Chapel, Florida said: I just noticed, if you do a search on other companies, most of which are more name-recognizeable than USAA, there are relatively few comments compared to the 400+ on this board. These employees sure have a lot to say and want to be heard and aire their opinions and grievances somehow.

It's very true, there are few other companies that have as much attention on indeed.com, and you're right, it does say something. With that said however, i've come to notice that tons of companies have their venting outlets online, they're just not necessarily this sight.

Take Progressive, for example. Go to jobvent.com, and you'll see the hundreds of progressive posts pretty much mirror these, while USAA has about 6 entries in total, half positive and half negative.

Just to reiterate, i'm not saying USAA employees don't have legit concerns, i'm sure alot of the ones voices in the last 10 pages are. What I AM trying to say is it's a matter of perspective and where you look. Fact of the matter is, lots of companies make poor decisions, have bad times, and have lots of angry forum go'ers. They're just not always consolidated.

I was totally surprised to find this forum. It seems Bob buys, sues, or threatens all other sites like this one.

I would go back to USAA as it was BB (Before Bob), I enjoyed my job and was planning on retiring from USAA.

Teri in Wesley Chapel, Florida said: Miss176 in Davis, California

2 hours ago

Teri in Wesley Chapel, Florida said:
That's funny.

Still in training (not doing the job yet), no idea what you are doing, and so far you like working at USAA.

LOL

So?

The guy may not be an expert on USAA, but some people (ie: me) are interested in how the training is, and what initial views/perceptions of the company and work environment are. Not everything here has to be a bitter ball of contempt.

----------- sorry, you took me all wrong. I wasn't being mean spirited at all, just saying how so far you like the company but it's really too early to tell, don't you think? ... since not "working a desk" yet, don't have you manager yet, etc., but are someone isolated in training with a lunch break and many other breaks? Give it time....give it time. Also, 2 months of training and have no idea what you are doing? What does that say about the training program? ... no ill will at all, i'm sorry i offended you.

I don't think you were being offensive. You are right on the money. I was naive during training as well & would have said I like working at USAA so far during that period. You tend to think maybe it is just you not catching on and things will fall into place once you are on the floor. Then they throw you to the wolves, you do not know what you are doing, co workers are too busy to answer questions, managers do not know or understand the job functions or they all have different answers to the same question. I spoke up and advised the training dept that after 2 months of so called 'training' I did not know what I was doing. It did not go over well AT ALL. Most of us learn to keep our opinions to ourselves while at work - therefore the venting on this forum.

Liberated in October 2006 in San Antonio, Texas said: I have been reading this site since its inception and nothing could be more true. I have recovered my sanity and dignity and am so glad to be off this modern-day Titanic. I would love to share my thoughts, but fear of retribution prevents me from publishing them here.....

Don't let fear retribution of keep you from sharing your thoughts. If you do not think that this site is totally anonymous or that they might detect your IP address, use a friend’s computer or one at the library. We would love to hear your thoughts. And of course, don’t use your real name. :)

If Bob Davis would run the company the way McDermitt did than it would run right again. Employees would be happy and so would the Insured's. McDermitt had a vision. He wanted to make the company large and strong. The employees would do anything for him because he treated everyone like a human being.

It is unfortunate what has happened over the past decade. You have a bunch of nasty managers inclusive of the little darling I met a few years ago that bashed a former war hero.

As for them looking up your IP address, I would not put it past them. I'm sure they record every move you make. They once had a camera over a friend of mine that was a former trainer. When he discovered it they stated that they were "concerned for him." The reason for his concern was that his mother or father died. What the hell was he going to do. Geez. That place freaked me out. I would make phone calls from my cellular because I'm sure they were recording phone calls from the pay phones they had. I once was in the security area. The guys were showing off the equipment they had. A person was standing outside at least twenty to thirty feet away. They flipped a switch and bingo. We heard all of their conversations. I sometimes wonder if they are hiding something will all of that freaky security setup they have. I have since then worked for several insurance companies. Yea some of them had security but not like that prison.

If anyone has the guts get on a pay phone and contact the media. I wonder what they would think of all of this.

Hey does anyone remember that lawsuit where the girl won almost a million dollars from the sexual harrassment suit?? It ran in the St Pete Times. Of course it did not run in the Tampa Tribune because of you know who and his son that worked there.
It seems it got worse with this Davis guy.

How about the time they put 200 ducks in the lake and the gators got them. They got a couple of their own people to kill off the gators.

P-A-R-A-N-O-I-D. Get help now.

Former Adjuster,

Did you know that they are also recording your home phone as well? Be afraid, be very afraid. They know EVERYTHING! Seriously, I'm not joking, it is scary...

Come on, how many man hours would be wasted if they wanted to listen to and watch every employee all day? They would need one security guard for every person. Unless... I bet they have one of those progams that will pick out keywords.

for crying out loud. yeah, they could *try* to get your ip address. and break 75 fcc laws in the process and lose oodles in payoffs & bribes. because it's all worth it, just to track down some disgruntleds.

Dr. Phil said: P-A-R-A-N-O-I-D. Get help now.

Oh Dr. Phil, where would we get these crazy, paranoid thoughts? Could it be from the first day as a new hire you are told over and over that everything you do and say is monintored. Or the fact they threaten you with drug search dogs that come into the parking garage peiodically & if one of the dogs hit's on your car, the car is searched and you are removed from work immediately pending the outcome of a urine analysis? Or maybe when the CEO brags in one of his monthly employee meetings about how many people have been fired for inappropriate emails. Or if your manager does not like you, suddenly you are selected for a new background check & random drug test(in spite of the fingerprinting,background check & drug testing required to be hired in the first place}. I don't know where you work, maybe you are one of USAA's brainwashed stepford chip managers, but I have worked for major corporations and never been treated in this manner or had these negative feelings. You are right, it is not healthy and I am looking for a new job.

Or that the 'guards' in Phoenix are now strapping. My first reaction was, 'What the hell?" What is USAA up to that they feel they need armed guards on the property?? Are they worried someone will come in and shoot up the place? And if that happens, are the guards going to reenact the OK Corral while I choke down my lunch during my 35 minute break? More firearms does NOT make me feel safe.
They also open and scrutinize every package that is sent there, chemical sniffers, etc. One of the managers, with boyhood glee, almost bragged about this point....

Shopping elsewhere in Houston, Texas said: I just happen to tumble on this forum by accident and, dear lord, I have never seen so many negative comments about a company like USAA. I don't want to do business with a company that threats its employees so poorly. This treatment could one day spill over to the customer service side, and to be safe I am seriously considering moving all my insurance, banking, and investments to another institution. Any suggestions?

Please don't pull your accounts from USAA.com. I have worked there for three years and yes, there are bad things. But what company doesn't have negative aspects to it? That's why it's called growth. There is always room for improvement.

Working at USAA was a huge adjustment for me. I have felt many of the ways that are listed in this forum but that is because I have not ever worked in an environment that is so darn competitive. Again, every company has it's strong qualities and it's weaknesses. USAA is no different.

That said, I wasn't there prior to Bob Davis. The only things I can say about him are this: He a poor public speaker but he gets the job done.

I think that part of the problems, with many companies, is that the managers are given guidelines, not standard rules to abide by. That said, if the manager interprets an internal guideline a certain way, then you're potentially in hot water. In other words, if they want to get rid of you as an employee, they have the freedom to interpret how they may to get you outed. Sounds bad, right? It can be however here are the things I think are good about it:

We're all business professionls. We were hired as such. When I started working at USAA, I was absolutely floored at how many inappropriately dressed employees there were. I appreciate that we can wear jeans (not t-shirts, unless they say USAA on them), however some of these people dress as if they are going to the night club. Completely inappropriate..to be cont

...Next, I am amazed that although I have nearly two decades of banking experience, I started in a position in the company with college graduates with little to no work experience. I was told that all employees need to work their way up the ranks. I don't like it but it's been motivation to work that much harder.

The culture of USAA can be difficult to grasp. It is very much structured like the military. Not that that is a bad thing- it's just very different if you're not familiar with the military. Since that is who our niche market is, we all should have, in my opinion, some affiliation or prior experience with the military. To provide for our members is to know them.

As for the last person who wrote about armed guards at the entrances to our campuses. They are there to protect us. As a woman, I feel better knowing that not any Tom, Dick or Harry is going to bust into my car or accost me while I'm walking to my vehicle. USAA does pride themselves on protecting us...

I read someone else comparing USAA to Enron. If you know anything about Investments, USAA's 401K plan is nothing like Enron or Worldcom. Those companies held their 401K plans in stock options of their own stock. Since USAA is not publicly traded, we don't have that capability. It's just like having it in an IRA or TSP.

So I've rambled on long enough. So let me repeat: please don't move your accounts elsewhere. I think that although some pricing changes have happened with insurance policies and the like, you're still going to find that USAA has very competitive products. And there are people such as myself that have pride in providing excellent service. They can coach me until the cows come home about how long a phone call takes, but if I know that I've truly served the customer, then I know I've done my job.

Do I think it's a place to retire from? Probably not. But it's been a worthwhile experience that I've learned greatly from!

Best of luck!

Very interesting reading since I was here last. Before I left the company in 2006, during the management meeting when he announce the bonuses in February 2006, I was appalled at Bob Davis' remark about how lucky we were to get anything that year. At that point, I was on 3 different medications for high blood pressure. I was on call 24-7 since I facilitated the Bank's fledgling member email communications on the website. It was a high pressure job, but because I had the old USAA work ethic (and still do), I really didn't mind and did a good job. But, that day, during that meeting, as Davis reported "lower profits" of the company that year, and directly blaming the employees, I thought to myself, "Bobby boy, you could turn this company completely around and rally the employees by announcing you are foregoing your bonus because you are ultimately responsible for the state of this company" Of course, it was a pipedream, but just think how that would have boosted morale...Lee Iococca did this at Chrysler, and the company made a 180 degree turnaround....No such luck for USAA and the current employees....I know if I were the CEO, that's what I would have done...as I said, Pipedream...