Workplace Wellness – Top Incentives

Employee Health & Productivity Management Programs – Watson Wyatt

Incentives can motivate individuals to participate in wellness programs. In 2006, only 62 percent of employers used incentives in their wellness programs. By 2008, that number increased to 71 percent.

Gift cards are currently the most popular incentive offered by employers, with their usage increasing 65 percent between 2007 and 2008.

Research conducted by Watson Wyatt shows the following use of incentives:

Gift Cards – 2007 – 17% and 2008 – 28%

Premium Reductions – 2007 – 41% and 2008 – 26%

Cash Bonus – 2007 – 25% and 2008 – 24%

Merchandise – 2007 – 18% and 2008 – 19%

Health Account Contributions – 2007 – 15% and 2008 – 14%

Note – The use of incentives can change as the wellness programs develops. In the first couple of years, the incentives may be based on participation. 4-5 years into the program, the incentives may be based on completion and as the wellness programs becomes engrained in the culture and soundly established the incentives may be offered more for goal achievement.

Question:
Do you use incentives in your wellness programs?