Lack of Flexibility and Disregard for Associates: Securian is no longer a "great place to work."
Pros
Great, authentic people with talent and motivation who do the best work they can do each day.
Cons
Securian Financial started out as a great place to work. It used to feel as though they put their associates first. Unfortunately, it has really plummeted recently. I’ve greatly valued the company over the last few years and how they handled the pandemic. They were smart, flexible, adaptable, and reiterated in the company meetings that they were data driven, in regards to return to office. In March of 2020, associates were all sent home, like many businesses. Over the last few years, the pandemic altered some old workplace habits for the better. We discovered we could be productive at home (if not more productive), we could spend time with family or get more work done instead of commuting, and we could still stay connected to our colleagues with technology. Research has been conducted as an outcome of the last few years, proving this is the case. When Securian first determined it was time to go back to the office after Covid, they assured their associates they would let the leaders work with their people/teams to determine what worked best for the individual and the team. Securian recently rolled out a new hybrid policy, ignoring their associate feedback and forcing everyone into the office two times a week. For many, the last few years finally afforded a work/life balance. With expenses constantly skyrocketing, it has also been a way to save money. Upper management decided they knew better, ignoring the progress of the last few years. They’ve tossed around words like “culture” and “collaboration” as guises. We know we can collaborate virtually or on each team’s predetermined schedule. We know we can still connect and collaborate while being even more productive in a virtual world. As far as culture, if the company’s idea of culture is regressing and forcing everyone in, then they have made their stance clear. This company does not care about its people. They have also made it clear feedback is not welcome and rules are rules. The most inexcusable aspect of the policy is that you have to fulfill your eight days in office without any exceptions. You could have a vacation, a death in the family, an illness, or hazardous weather conditions, and they would require you to come in those eight days without flexibility. A two week vacation could mean two almost solid weeks in office (a punishment for using your PTO). Associates who do not make it in those required days risk termination. I hope the company starts listening to its associates and at least integrates flexibility into its new policy versus punishing people for having lives, commitments (both planned and unexpected) outside of work.
