Strong potential with an entrepreneurial focus coming from the top. Troubled by poor communication and lack of strategy. - Anonymous employee Symetra Employee Review

3.0
24 Nov 2008
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

It is a very new company (split from Safeco in 2005), so the focus (at least for the C-level executives) is fairly entrepreneureal. The CEO has expressed numerous times that he's interested in changing how we do business and looking outside of the box for ways to take our company forward. As of late 2008 we are launching into some areas (such as social media) that are new to us and this makes it a very exciting time to work here. At the same time, the company is privately owned by Birkshire Hathaway (among others), thus the company is very secure financially.

Cons

While the most senior executives at the company may be focused on changing how we do business, this mindset is not shared by all executives. Employees in general are frustrated with the compensation and the handling of promotions. Additionally, there are some serious communications issues within management.

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

avatar
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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