Employer Profile

An employee can find a lot to like at this Milwaukee-based life insurance company. There are 29 employee clubs offering company-subsidized activities across a broad range of interests, including sports, hobbies and professional growth. Northwestern Mutual also offers employees both a fully funded defined benefit pension plan and a 401(k) defined contribution plan with a 50% match on the first 6% an employee contributes. Other benefits include an on-site fitness center, adoption assistance, transportation assistance, educational assistance, discount and rebate programs, and laundry, photo, shipping and auto services. To promote networking and mentoring, the company sponsors a business lunch program at no cost to all employees and contract staff. The IT department implemented a Resource Center model where one manager serves as the day-to-day workgroup manager handling technology-related deliverables (software, hardware and infrastructure), client relationship and budgets; and the second manager, known as the resource manager, works with the staff on career development and performance management and supports the workgroup manager with staffing-related activities. The IT department's recognition program includes spot bonuses, a professional achievement award and an award that focuses on teamwork successes. Cash compensation programs include annual merit increases and bonus programs. New this year: An on-site health clinic staffed by a physician, nurse practitioners and registered nurses treats basic and urgent-care conditions, with a strong focus on healthy lifestyles and employee well-being.