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More than half of Kiwis do not have a workplace wellness programme, but for 40% of 25-39-year olds, it would be a reason to change jobs, according to the latest Cigna 360 Wellbeing Survey.
Cigna New Zealand joins a growing number of businesses embedding workplace wellness into what it does, with a comprehensive wellness programme incorporating physical, emotional, financial, medical, social and nutritional initiatives and support. And for the fourth year in a row Cigna will also close for the day so its staff can take a paid day to volunteer in the community.
Improving wellbeing
Chief Executive Lance Walker said that Cigna New Zealand is dedicated to helping its customers improve their health and wellbeing.
“Providing our staff with the opportunity to do this during work hours means they have a great chance of becoming healthier and happier. The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is Nature is Key, so it is great the Cigna team will be able to not only support the community, but also spend time outside with nature for good mental health and wellbeing,” he said.
About 200 staff from Cigna’s Wellington Head Office will go by bus to Newlands on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 o help Wellington City Council prepare a newly built walking track in Gilberd Bush Reserve, ahead of its opening later this month. Another 28 persons from home staff, located around the country, will be volunteering for example at their local SPCA, Hospice, Community Patrols and Salvation Army.
Company objectives
“Our wellness programme aims to drive higher productivity, commitment and engagement – all culminating to deliver better outcomes for our customers. With new programmes rolled out quarterly, the focus is on building a people-focused, supportive, achievement-oriented and collaborative culture,” Mr Walker said.
Despite such programmes influencing whether Kiwis will leave a job for another employer, and 75% believing it could help achieve positive outcomes only 11% of businesses see it as important for staff retention.
The Cigna 360 Wellbeing Survey monitors overall wellbeing across 13 countries and more than 15,000 people. It assesses Kiwis perception of health and wellbeing across five key areas: physical, social, family, financial and work.