Northwestern Recognized as ‘Great Workplace’

EVANSTON, Ill. --- Northwestern University has been hailed for supporting its employees at work and at home. The World at Work Alliance for Work-Life Progress awarded Northwestern a 2015 Seal of Distinction for workplace strategies that help faculty, staff and students achieve quality work-life balance.

“This honor is a ringing endorsement of what many of us already know about Northwestern: It’s a wonderful place to work,” said Pamela S. Beemer, vice president of Human Resources. “The University is committed to providing a world-class education through innovative teaching and pioneering research, and we are also proud of our efforts to offer quality work-life programs and services addressing the diverse needs of our community.”

Among key efforts in this area, Northwestern has created quality, affordable child care options for employees. The University offers priority enrollment, discounts and, in some cases, subsidies through several child care organizations in Evanston and Chicago to assist eligible faculty, staff and students.

This year Northwestern launched birth and adoption parental leave and adoption assistance reimbursement. The parental leave offers four weeks of paid leave following the birth of a child for mothers and fathers who have three years of continuous service with the University. This benefit gives birth mothers an additional four weeks of paid leave beyond the typical maternity leave. Adoption assistance reimbursement provides up to $5,000 for eligible adoption expenses.

“When talented individuals are supported in their work-life needs, they are more able to be fully productive and perform at their highest levels,” said Beemer. “Northwestern is delighted to join other prestigious employers who are recognized with this honor for the quality and breadth of their work-life programs.”

The Seal of Distinction is awarded every year to organizations across the U.S. The overall strength of an institution’s work-life portfolio is evaluated along with programs and policies in several categories of work-life effectiveness, including caring for dependents, health and wellness, workplace flexibility and time off work.

For more information about Northwestern's work-life programs contact the Office of Work-Life Resources at 847-467-1460.