Northwestern Mutual Recognized as One of the Best Workplaces for LGBT Equality

MILWAUKEE, Nov. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- For the second consecutive year, Northwestern Mutual received a 100 percent score in the newly released the 2016 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) survey. This is the 14^th edition of the Human Rights Campaign CEI, a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT workplace equality.

"We are honored to receive a perfect CEI score and proud to be one of 407 businesses nationwide to have received the recognition of 100 percent," said Todd O. Zinkgraf, Northwestern Mutual vice president, Enterprise Solutions and executive sponsor of the company's LGBTA employee resource group. "I think I can speak on behalf of all participants that although we are pleased to see a repeat perfect score in 2016, we all look forward to the day where equality is offered to everyone in the workplace and surveys like CEI will no longer be needed."

The CEI rates companies on detailed criteria in these categories:

• Non-discrimination workplace protections
• Domestic partner benefits
• Transgender-inclusive health care benefits
• Demonstrated organizational competency and accountability around LGBT diversity and inclusion
• Public commitment to LGBT equality

The 2016 CEI rated 1,027 businesses in the report. For more information on the 2016 Corporate Equality Index or to download a copy of the report, visit: www.hrc.org/cei.

About Northwestern Mutual
Northwestern Mutual has been helping families and businesses achieve financial security for nearly 160 years. Our financial representatives build relationships with clients through a distinctive planning approach that integrates risk management with wealth accumulation, preservation and distribution. With $230 billion in assets, $27 billion in revenues, nearly $90 billion in assets under management in our investment products and services, and more than $1.5 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to 4.3 million people who rely on us for insurance and investment solutions, including life, disability income and long-term care insurance; annuities; trust services; mutual funds; and investment advisory products and services. Northwestern Mutual is recognized by FORTUNE magazine as one of the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2015.

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, Wis., and its subsidiaries. Northwestern Mutual and its subsidiaries offer a comprehensive approach to financial security solutions including: life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance, annuities, life insurance with long-term care benefits, investment products, and advisory products and services. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company, limited purpose federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company.

SOURCE Northwestern Mutual