Cigna has followed in
Southern Cross’s footsteps in being awarded the Rainbow Tick accreditation for offering a safe and welcoming workplace for people of diverse gender and sexual orientation.
“We continually strive to create the kind of workplace in which our people can flourish both personally and professional,” said Cigna head of human resources Mel MacPhee. “Gaining this accreditation recognised our commitment to fostering a psychologically safe environment where you can be yourself and individual differences are valued.”
MacPhee said applying for the accreditation gave Cigna the opportunity to review its internal processes and policies.
“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,” MacPhee explained.
“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.”
Professional Advisers Association (PAA) chief executive Rod Severn welcomed the news of Cigna’s accreditation and said it was a positive move for the industry.
“There shouldn’t be any barriers from any employment opportunities from any organisation, so I applaud Cigna for what they’re doing and for opening up their employment opportunities to anybody, regardless of race, creed, colour or orientation - and it should happen more and more across the board,” he said.
ICNZ chief executive
Tim Grafton seconded Severn’s thoughts, saying the council “welcomed the Rainbow Tick accreditations that have been awarded to some of our members recently.”
“Insurers have a track record of being great employers, and part of that is valuing diversity in their staff,” Grafton said. “Whether that diversity is by way of gender identification, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation – insurance has long been a safe and inclusive space in which to work.
“A diverse workforce brings with it diverse perspectives, which often leads to better decision making and more inclusive business practices.”
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.
Rainbow Tick director Michael Stevens said studies had shown that 33% of LGBTTI employees hide who they are at work, and one in four have been at the receiving end of a negative comment about their orientation.
“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,” he explained.
“It’s great to see another organisation being awarded the Rainbow Tick. Cigna has shown genuine commitment and sincerity in its work to become Rainbow Tick certified and has demonstrated with its high level of engagement in the process,” Stevens added.
Two weeks ago,
Southern Cross was awarded the same accreditation. Chief executive Nick Astwick said the insurer had established a diversity and inclusion forum in September 2016, made up of employees from across the business at all levels.
Astwick said at the time, that the accreditation and “all it represents for our staff,” was the first priority for the group.
“Southern Cross’s vision is to create a healthier society – I believe diversity and equality are core to this,” he added.
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