The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies said is involved in a hiring effort continuing through 2007 that will add more than 500 people to its Austin, Tex. and Tampa, Fla. area call centers.
Staff, who are being hired right now for the customer contact representative jobs, will receive a $500 signing bonus, the company said.
Cristy Cote, a spokesperson for the Mayfield Village, Ohio-based auto insurer said the jobs pay between $11 and $14 an hour or from $22,880 to $29,120 yearly based on a 40-hour work week.
She said the company is seeking to hire 80 people this year for the Riverside, Fla. center outside Tampa, and it plans to hire 300 there in 2007.
At its South Austin, Texas center, hiring for 60 persons is underway now and 200 will be hired in 2007.
The company said new hires will complete a fully paid training program to help customers calling to purchase policies or report claims and additional on-the-job training is offered on a regular basis.
Lynley Williams, Progressive recruiting manager, said the positions offer excellent growth opportunities for candidates who want to advance their careers within an innovative company that has the goal of becoming consumers' number-one choice for car insurance.
Progressive said almost half of its 4,000 plus Florida employees are located at the Riverview call center.
The company said its hires get a benefit package, flexible work schedules, paid time off and a casual work environment and dress code.
Additionally Progressive said workers enjoy such amenities as on-site cafeteria, fitness and medical facilities, a massotherapist, college tuition assistance and childcare subsidies to assist employees with children under age 12.
There are also quiet rooms that are equipped with recliners, pillows and blankets for midday relaxation and meditation, as well as ergonomic consultations.
A "gainsharing" program includes variable compensation tied to the company's growth and profitability.
In South Austin classes for college credit are offered at the center.
A positive work environment allows the company "to attract, hire and retain the best and brightest people," said Ms. Williams.
Ms. Williams said qualified candidates will have at least one year of customer service experience in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment, demonstrated computer proficiency with the ability to maneuver and navigate between screens and programs, and demonstrated problem-solving and decision making ability.
Candidates can apply online at jobs.progressive.com.
The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, in business since 1937, ranks third in the nation for private passenger and commercial auto insurance and number one for motorcycle insurance based on premiums written
© Arc, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to TMSalesOperations@arc-network.com. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.