On the management company side, the new business models are still evolving and the leadership team is not organized nor are they as effective as employees need them to be. A lot of information about the new policy changes comes out at the last minute and it is not effectively communicated. No one really seems to know what is going on and then everyone seems to be surprised when the employees are adversely affected. In 2009, the company is dramatically changing its benefits: We are going to a PTO bank instead of having separate vacation,personal time, and sick banks. Only if you miss 6 or more days of work, then you will have access to pay via short term disability (Days 1-5 are paid through PTO. If you have already used all of your PTO, then you will not be paid for days 1-5). If you or a family member have chronic intermittent health problems, you could easily use up all of your PTO time and have no time left to have a vacation. Also, Farmers is going to a new pension plan in 2009 and all of those who are not grandfathered will have their pensions frozen. Also, 2009 will be the last year for profit sharing. The company is going towards a new STIP which favors higher salary grade positions (such as managers). Also new in 2009 is that everyone who gets health insurance through the company can expect a minimum of 600 to 1200 deductible before coinsurance kicks in.
