As global health service company Cigna (NYSE:CI) looks forward to the next chapter in its 225-year history, the company today announced it is making a one-time stock award to employees worldwide and providing two new benefits. The stock award is to recognize the passion and commitment Cigna employees bring to customer service and to reinforce pride of ownership in the company. The new benefits further the depth of investment in the Cigna team and will help employees balance work with personal and community interests.

“Cigna continues to thrive, and our ability to deliver on the mission to improve the health, well-being and sense of security of those we serve starts with each of our employees. We are moving forward from a position of strength thanks to our employees around the world who make our company great. Today’s actions recognize that fact,” said Cigna Chief Executive Officer and President David M. Cordani.

The special global stock award and new benefits recognize Cigna employees’ accomplishments and their ability to stay focused on customers in what has been a dynamic and disruptive environment over the past several years. Cigna has been growing its business around the globe by adding and retaining clients and expanding our innovative value-based partnerships, and by focusing on customer service, and the company expects that outstanding performance to continue.

Effective today, Cigna employees around the world will receive a one-time award of five shares of stock in Cigna, which represents an investment in their future. “The stock award to our co-workers reinforces an even greater sense of ownership in our company as we continue to pursue our mission of improving the health, well-being and sense of security of the people we serve.” Cordani said. He added “It is this ownership mentality that fuels our ability to support and change our customers’ lives for the better.”

To support employees in balancing work and life demands, effective July 1, Cigna is launching a Caregiver Leave Program, a new benefit for U.S. employees that offers up to four weeks of paid leave for employees caring for others including child bonding, care for a seriously ill family member or qualifying military support. Cigna also is ensuring that employees in all countries outside the U.S. where it operates have a minimum of 12 weeks of full paid maternity leave, and four weeks of paid paternity and adoption leave.

Additionally, Cigna is introducing the Community Ambassador Fellowship program, which offers eligible employees an opportunity to take a sabbatical-style paid leave from work to improve life in communities where they work and live by supporting projects that exemplify Cigna’s mission. Program participants will be selected through a competitive application process. Up to 12 employees will be selected every year for a one- to three-month fellowship, and employees will receive full salary and benefits plus up to a $20,000 stipend to support their community work.

“Together, the global stock award and new benefits signal Cigna's pride in its employees’ continued high level of performance in a challenging environment. We see this as an investment in a bright future for Cigna, our employees and the people we serve around the world,” Cordani said.

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 95 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.