Posted On: April 19, 2004, 5:17 pm CDT

Posted By: Faye

Just a suggestion---many CSR's who truly still enjoy their jobs at the age
of 50+ would like a four-day work week or a little more flexibility with their
hours due to the fact they now have a
grandchild or two or aging parents OR
they want to have a little free time to
enjoy life.

I'm a prime example. I do not see myself retiring for another 15 years
BUT I would like more time during the
week rather than trying to cram all the
errands, visiting, etc. during the weekend. I would knock myself out for
anyone who would hire me for four days
or more flexible hours if five days.

Agencies need to understand that a lot
of times if you give a little you can
get a lot!! At a certain age you know
you don't just show up for work to get
the paycheck you have to earn it! Some
people give more in four days than someone who works five!

Maybe looking for younger CSR's is not
the only answer. Older CSR's for the
most part are not interested in moving
from one Agency to another. Younger
CSR's are enticed to move on to "bigger
and better jobs." I think that is
wonderful. It's a big world out there
and they should take advantage of any
opportunity to advance themselves, as
long as it makes them happy and they
are fulfilled.

As for CSR's having to "cover" for
Producers, I don't have a problem doing
that. I would love the opportunity to
help a young producer fill out the
paperwork properly or help an older
more experienced producer close the sale. Producers should be out selling
and not sitting at the desk day in and
day out. Yes, CSR's do babysit a lot
but that's what any CSR job is about.
It's about having empathy for the customer. There is no better feeling
than to get an irate customer on the
phone and by your saying something or
doing something that makes them feel
better about the situation they're thanking you for your help and they do
understand (even if they don't like the
answer!) Most of the time the customer
just needs a little bit of education.

Has V. Bates looked into the problem of
the lack of CSR's from the flexibility
standpoint. IT IS NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE
MONEY!! I bet if you looked into the
lack of flexibility in the Agency, that
would be another major reason for lack
of qualified CSR's. Most Agencies want
you there five days a week---end of discussion!!

I'd love some feedback on this point
both from CSR's AND Agency Owners.

Thanks!