Wellness Program Incentives

Armed with data, Employee Wellness Program topic preferences and objectives and goals – and a Employee Wellness Program Committee rearing to get things done – it is now time to decide how best to take action.  This website provides tools to help you!  You can read about the different types of wellness programs provided by other corporations to get an idea of what could possibly prove effective for your company.  There are Statewide Resources listed as well as national non-profit groups offering resources, and particular examples of resources available on various wellness subject matters.  In addition, keep looking under Steps to an Effective Program for ideas to get you started!

If your planning phase was well executed, you ought to simply have to follow through with the plans you have already made.  

Important Corporate Wellness Program considerations include:

1. Formally Introduce the Worksite Health Promotion Program and consider policy statements that state the significance of the wellness program.  Examples include a general policy concerning the commitment to employee health and safety as well as specific policies such as No Smoking, Healthy Eating and Physical Activity.
2. Communicate Your Program: The best planned program with great wellness programs will not be constructive if your staff members are unaware of it or do not be aware of the options or how to take part.  Communicate your wellness program using a variety of methods to make sure the message and “how-to’s” are heard!

   Workplace Wellness Program Communication Strategies might include:

   • Newsletter articles
   • Postings on the company’s intranet or internet
   • A designated Champion of the program
   • Formal or informal meeting to announce program, “the kick-off”
   • Flyers / handouts / brochures / table tents,
   • Bulletin boards / kiosk where all material is promoted or found,
   • Email / phone messages,
   • Mailings or distributions  

3. Use Worksite Wellness Program Incentives:  You’ll be amazed to find out what people will do for a free T-shirt.  Incentives are able to both support and arouse participation among workers.  Consider both formal or business incentives and informal or program rewards/prizes from local resources to reinforce participation in Worksite Wellness Programs. Either way, it’s valuable to offer incentives that are enticing and meaningful to your workers.

   Formal Workplace Health Promotion Program Incentives:

   • Savings on employee health insurance premiums or co-pays, or contributions to 401K programs, employee stock options, or other mechanisms.  
   
   Click here for more information on health plan incentive ideas
   
   • fitness center/Fitness Center discounts or enrollment fee coverage
   • Public transportation vouchers
   • Flexible work time options
   • “Wellness Days” off work  

   Prizes or Informal Workplace Health Promotion Program Incentives:

   • Cash – a most effective incentive!
   • Prize rewards and incentives such as gift certificates to heart-healthy restaurants; media player to use while working out, emergency kits, or any other prizes that would arouse your employees.
   • T-Shirts, water bottles, or other inexpensive rewards

4. Assess neighborhood resources available to support some of the wellness services.  The local health department or your employer health care provider may be able to help  you with this information.  There are also vendors throughout the State providing excellent wellness services for corporations.  They are available to assist you when strategizing and find the best options available.

5. Start your program as planned documenting information and outcomes as you go such as numbers of participants, dates of activities, and any other special details you are tracking.