Shanghai Summit Sponsored by Cigna to Reveal State of Global Workplace Health

SHANGHAI & BLOOMFIELD, Conn.

Companies from 33 countries are vying for recognition at the second Global Healthy Workplace Awards and Summit (GHWAS) taking place April 9-10 at the Andaz Hotel, Shanghai, China. Award submissions are being reviewed by an international panel of judges across five continents, with six finalists for the Global Healthy Workplace Awards to be announced later this month. The Summit will bring together 150 leaders from business, public health, academia, government and non-government organizations (NGOs) – all committed to the belief that “good health is good business” and to learning about how to improve the health of the world’s workforce.

The Summit will open with Li Zhongyang, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Health Promotion Committee and the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Health and Family Planning, followed by Fu Hua of Fudan University addressing Public Health and Health Promotion in China: Tradition and Innovation. The Summit also will feature a special new report on the state of workplace health in China and around world.

The centerpiece of the Awards and Summit will be the presentations by the six finalist companies, representing small, mid-sized and large employers who are being judged according to how well their health promotion “better practices” reflect the comprehensive World Health Organization (WHO) Healthy Workplace framework. The three winning companies will be announced at the close of the Summit.

“Cigna, a leader in serving the health and wellness needs of multinational employers around the world, is pleased to sponsor the 2014 Global Healthy Workplace Awards and Summit in Shanghai. China is a critical market, source of materials, production base and /or Asia hub for almost all employers now. There is no better setting to learn more about the globalization of workplace health from employers in both established and emerging economies,” said Howard Gough, CEO for the Middle East & Asia-Pacific for Cigna’s Global Employer Segment.

The WHO has recognized the international workplace as the entry point to health and wellness for millions of workers worldwide. Additionally, research from The World Economic Forum, Global Knowledge Exchange Network (GKEN), Buck Global Survey of Health Promotion and Workplace Wellness Strategies and others reveals that employers worldwide are interested in creating healthy workplaces that improve productivity and absenteeism while helping employees reap the lasting benefits of good health and well-being.

Cigna and the Cigna Foundation are sponsors of the GHWAS, hosted by GKEN in association with two international organizations with extensive health experience, International Health Consulting and the i-genius world community of social entrepreneurs. The GHWAS and Cigna also are the exclusive sponsors of the 2014 Buck Global Survey.

For more information contact jrcomola@wrgh.org and visit www.globalhealthyworkplace.com or http://newsroom.cigna.com/AboutCigna/AwardsandHonors/2014-global-healthy-workplace-awards-summit/

About the Cigna Foundation

The Cigna Foundation is a private foundation funded by contributions from Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) and its subsidiaries. The Cigna Foundation supports organizations sharing its commitment to enhancing the health of individuals and families, and the well-being of their communities, with a special focus on those communities where Cigna employees live and work.

About Cigna

Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security. All products and services are provided exclusively through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Life Insurance Company of North America and Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and vision care benefits, and other related products including group disability, life, and accident coverage. Cigna has sales capability in 30 countries and jurisdictions, with approximately 80 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com

About GKEN

Global Knowledge Exchange Network on health care (GKEN) is chartered as a not for profit (501c-3) and is focused on advancing emerging better practices in health and health care among developing and developed nations around the globe. Our emphasis is on the health system aspects of health and healthcare. Through engaging thought leaders around the globe we create cross cultural learning that enables improvements in health system practices.

About i-genius

i-genius is a world community of social entrepreneurs with members in over 200 countries. It promotes social entrepreneurship and provides training, events and business development support to its global community. Based in London.

About International Health Consulting

International Health Consulting (IHC) is an independent health promotion consultancy with locations in central Europe and the United States. Armed with a network of over 250 international health promotion professionals worldwide, IHC can develop customized solutions that are tailored to local populations.