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.
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