BENTON HARBOR, Mich., Jan. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Whirlpool Corporation has earned WorldatWork's Seal of Distinction for 2017. The seal is a unique mark of excellence designed to identify organizational success in Total Rewards effectiveness and is given by WorldatWork, a nonprofit HR association and compensation authority. Whirlpool Corporation is one of 160 U.S. organizations to be honored, sharing the distinction with companies such as Herman Miller, MasterCard and KPMG.

Whirlpool Corporation offers a wide range of competitive employee benefits programs, accessible to both hourly and salaried employees. Examples of programs Whirlpool is particularly proud of are the aggressive 401k employer contribution, automatic enrollment and their onsite wellness resources.

In an effort to help employees sufficiently save for retirement, an employee contribution to the 401k of 5% receives an additional 7% company contribution.  Whirlpool Corporation increases the employee contribution automatically by 1% each year until it reaches 15% or the IRS limit, or the employee opts out.

Whirlpool Corporation's onsite wellness offers both salaried and hourly employees in-person access to health coaches, pharmacists, and Employee Assistance Program counselors. Many locations also feature onsite health centers with nursing staff available to provide basic healthcare.

"We believe people who are physically healthy, financially stable, and who maintain a good work-life balance not only live better; they work better," said Ed Mohr, vice president of Total Rewards at Whirlpool Corporation. "You see evidence of that on the manufacturing floor, in offices–everywhere. Our goal is to make sure that our employees have the tools, programs and inspiration to improve their personal wellness as well as their family's."

Since 2012, the Seal of Distinction has been awarded to companies that meet defined standards of workplace programs, policies and practices weighted on several factors, such as the complexity of implementation, required organizational resources, perceived breadth of access and overall level of commitment from leadership. Applicants are evaluated on programs from all aspects of human resources, such as bonus programs, performance management and recognition.

"We congratulate all of the recipients of the 2017 Seal of Distinction. These recipients represent a wide variety of industries from across the U.S. and Canada, showing that the total rewards model applies to employers and employees everywhere," stated Anne C. Ruddy, president and CEO of WorldatWork. "This year, we saw the highest number of applicants since the Seal of Distinction was created. I'm confident that this means an increasing number of companies are recognizing the importance of a workplace environment that benefits both the employer and employee."

About Whirlpool Corporation   
Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is the number one major appliance manufacturer in the world, with approximately $21 billion in annual sales, 97,000 employees and 70 manufacturing and technology research centers in 2015. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, Jenn-Air, Indesit and other major brand names in nearly every country throughout the world. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com, or find us on Twitter at @WhirlpoolCorp.

SOURCE Whirlpool Corporation