Cigna has joined a growing group of New Zealand businesses offering a safe and welcoming workplace for people of diverse
gender and sexual orientation, as recognised by achieving the Rainbow Tick accreditation.
Cigna’s Head of Human Resources Mel MacPhee says Cigna is really proud to have achieved the accreditation and it’s a
great way to start to 2018.
“We continually strive to create the kind of workplace in which our people can flourish both personally and
professionally. Gaining this accreditation recognises our commitment to fostering a psychologically safe environment
where you can be yourself and individual differences are valued.”
The Rainbow Tick programme includes an annual audit to evaluate the business’s level of LGBTTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, takatāpui and intersex) inclusion in; internal policies, staff training, engagement and organisational
support, external engagement and monitoring.
“Studies show that about one third of LGBTTI employees hide who they are at work and one in four have heard negative
comments such as ‘that’s so gay’ while at work,” says Rainbow Tick Director Michael Stevens. “We spend a third of our
lives at work so it’s really important for the wellbeing of this community that people feel comfortable being themselves
at work.”
MacPhee says it gave Cigna the opportunity to review internal policies and processes. “We want to make sure that we are
creating an environment that is inclusive and safe for our staff who identify as part of the rainbow community, and to
change any policies or procedures that may have been inadvertently undermining this. The training provided as part of
the process was really valuable. It opened up some interesting discussions at senior leader and board level and provided
greater awareness of the different challenges these groups can face.”
Stevens says, “It’s great to see another organisation being awarded the Rainbow Tick. Cigna have shown genuine
commitment and sincerity in its work to become Rainbow Tick certified and has demonstrated this with its high level of
engagement in the process.”
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, behavioural 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 89 million customer relationships
throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com