SHANGHAI & BLOOMFIELD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IBM, Telefônica do Brasil, and Spokane Regional Health District today were named award winners in the Global Healthy Awards and Summit held in Shanghai. GE China was recognized as having the best workplace health program in China. These programs are examples of the vital role the workplace can play in improving health and wellness around the world. The search for the healthiest workplaces in the world was sponsored by Cigna and the Cigna Foundation and hosted by the Global Knowledge Exchange Network (GKEN) together with International Health Consulting and i-genius, whose common goal is to promote awareness of emerging better practices in health promotion and wellness in the workplace.
Employers from 33 countries vied for the distinction of being considered among the world’s healthiest workplaces. Award submissions were reviewed by an international panel of health and wellness experts from five continents. The winning programs represent the best of the international business community’s ability to successfully promote good health among their employees and the communities they serve.
The Summit attracted employers of all sizes, health system leaders, universities, policy leaders, NGOs, and world-renowned award judges and speakers amid a two-day packed agenda on topics ranging from addressing public health promotion in China, to mental well-being and happiness at work, to creating healthy workplaces for NGO workers.
Here are the winning programs:
Multi-national Employers
IBM (USA)
IBM has a long-standing tradition in creating
healthy workplaces throughout the world and continues to drive an
integrated approach to workplace health. IBM has established 10 global
priorities for health promotion, which are applied to its many employees
globally. For example, IBM uses social analytics technology to capture
“Mini Pulse” feedback from employees as they interact with health
programs.
Large Employers
Telefônica do Brasil (Brazil)
Telefônica was a
semi-finalist last year and reapplied with a stronger program. Telefônica
has developed its own self-managed health insurance plan, with broad
coverage all over Brazil. One of the outcomes of the comprehensive “BEM
PERTO” program is that health insurance fees are only 7.8 percent of
monthly payroll, whereas the average among other Brazilian enterprises
is 15 percent of payroll.
Small and Mid-Sized Employers
Spokane Regional Health District (USA)
Spokane is a local
public health agency with 250 employees who serve a population of more
than 400,000 in Spokane County, Washington. The Living Well Program has
a 15-year history and enjoys strong leadership support and active
involvement. Spokane has developed policies, system and environmental
changes that have greatly enhanced the way employees embrace safe and
healthy choices.
For more information 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.
