Workplace Wellness Program Makes Winners Out of the Biggest Losers

The McTigue Financial Group,  a Northwestern Mutual office in Chicago, firmly states its mission is to help its financial representatives and staff grow personally and professionally, but sometimes that growth means reduction, and in this case, it means weight loss.  For the sixth year, the financial security company’s Chicago office has sponsored a competition to encourage a healthy lifestyle change.

In 2013 the office enrolled 29 financial representatives and staff in the twelve week workplace wellness program that, just like the office’s professional development programs, has a strong system of support and accountability. The weekly weigh-ins and peer support served as a motivator and kept people engaged and accountable, says Theresa Taylor, a member of the senior management team who co-developed the program six years ago.

“Knowing you have people depending on you to stick to your weight loss goal is motivation to stay on task,” says Lincoln Park resident Graham Carron, a Northwestern Mutual financial representative who was the overall largest loser, having shed 39 pounds. Participants shared recipes and exercise programs, and even used social media apps to check in on each other and hold them accountable, according to West Town resident Katie Vokral, assistant to the chief development officer.  Vokral was the leading loser among women in the office, having lost 20 pounds. The program also created great camaraderie between the participants, adds Vokral.

 A workplace culture sets the tone for its people. People who join our office are well aware that this is a culture of high expectations, notes Taylor.  This program is one of many that empowers, focuses and engages our financial representatives and staff’s personal and professional development.

About The McTigue Financial Group
The network office currently headed by John McTigue opened for business in 1872. The McTigue Financial Group is a Northwestern Mutual office providing expert guidance in life insurance, investment products and services, retirement and estate planning, education funding and employee benefits. The offices are located at One North Wacker Drive in Chicago, 2015 Spring Road in Oak Brook, 650 Dundee in Northbrook, and 8600 W. Bryn Mawr in Chicago. To learn more visit www.mctiguefinancial.com.

About Northwestern Mutual

 Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company – Milwaukee, WI and its subsidiaries. Northwestern Mutual is among the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2013 according to FORTUNE® magazine – has helped clients achieve financial security for more than 156 years. As a mutual company with $1.4 trillion of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual has no shareholders. The company focuses solely and directly on its clients and seeks to deliver consistent and dependable value to them over time. Northwestern Mutual and its subsidiaries offer a holistic approach to financial security solutions including: life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability insurance, annuities, 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; and Russell Investments. Further information can be found at http://www.northwesternmutual.com.