Cigna Foundation Workplace Wellness Summit Set for Oct. 11 in Dubai; Leading Dubai Employers to Discuss Health, Well-being of Workforce

Business Wire

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates & BLOOMFIELD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Leading multi-national employers in Dubai will discuss the health and well-being of the workforce at the Cigna Foundation Workplace Wellness Summit taking place Oct. 11 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Employers, NGOs, academicians, medical professionals and others with an interest in workforce health and well-being are invited. Seated is limited, and there is no registration fee.

The meeting comes at a time when stress, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, weight and nutrition problems pose risks to the Middle Eastern workforce, according to a survey published in 2015 by Towers Watson.* The World Health Organization estimates that the burden of chronic disease is rapidly increasing worldwide, with the largest increase in cardiovascular disease occurring in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

The health and well-being challenges in the UAE – and Dubai in particular, where expatriates make up the majority of the workforce – along with ways employers can help improve their workers’ wellness will be highlighted during this half-day interactive session. The agenda will feature an employer panel discussion on “Creating the Design: The Architecture of a Healthy Workplace,” in which a cross-section of top Dubai employers will provide real-life experiences in promoting health among their workers and offering best practices on ways to engage employees in the process.

“The health of a business begins with the health of its workforce,” said David Figliuzzi, executive director of the Cigna Foundation, which has sponsored similar workplace events in London, Shanghai and Mumbai. “We believe the workplace, where people spend one-third or more of their time, can serve as a strong support system for employees’ health and wellness needs.”

Howard Gough, MENA chief executive for Cigna, will welcome participants and deliver remarks on the role that health and wellness companies can play in the future of health in the UAE. “Different workplaces require different approaches. Company size, culture, demographics and functions are important factors. We’ll hear from employers about how they help their populations, and the audience will come away with practical programs to improve wellness for their own employees.”

Also on the agenda is Tommy Hutchinson, founder and CEO of i-genius and co-founder of the Global Centre for Healthy Workplaces, who will provide an update on the status of employer workplace wellness programs worldwide; and Nalini Saligram, founder and CEO of Arogya World, who will discuss how mobile technology is being used to help prevent chronic disease among the workforce in India.

“Employers worldwide are interested in creating healthy workplaces that improve productivity and absenteeism while their employees reap the benefits of good health and well-being,” said Ann Asbaty, Cigna’s global wellness officer. “We’ll hear from some of the world’s foremost multi-national employers as they provide insight into how employers can help the vibrant and diverse Dubai workforce lead a healthy and well life.”

For more information or to register, contact [email protected]. Media inquiries can be directed to [email protected].

* The Towers Watson Middle East Healthcare Survey 2014/15 was fielded at the end of 2014 in 10 markets in the Middle East.

About the Cigna Foundation

The Cigna Foundation, founded in 1962, 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 by or 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, vision, supplemental benefits, and other related products including group life, accident and disability insurance. Cigna maintains sales capability in 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has more than 90 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.