Wellness Program Incentives

Every worksite will have employees who will not participate in available workplace wellness activities. But these same employees may be following a myriad of healthy practices in their daily living. A good wellness program must give these individuals credit and recognition for their good work.

Recognition of healthy goal setting and goal execution is a good approach for reinforcing what individuals are doing on their own outside of work, and for reaching those who do not like group activities. Suggested steps for individual objectives and goals and recognition include:
• A form staff members can fill out which includes the set intention(s) and a target date for completion.
• Information on setting realistic goals/objectives, as individuals often overestimate what they can do and by when. It’s great to remind staff members “baby steps” count!
• Maintain a confidential file of the submitted employee objective forms in a dated “tickler” system.
• Send a reminder to each employee at the time of each member’s intention date. This reminder could be a copy of their original intention form. Ask for employee’s feedback regarding their intention(s): completed the intention, need an extension, or have discontinued the intention.
• When the form is returned from an employee:
   1. If an employee has completed the goal, a certificate of completion is received along with a prize or incentive item linked to the goal (if possible).
   2. If the employee renegotiates the deadline or the goal, the form is re-filed for future follow-up. Continue to advocate the employee.
   3. If the goal is canceled, send a note acknowledging this “good try” and advocate the employee to try again when the timing is right.
• Allow those interested in this process to set goals/objectives any time and as frequently as they want.