Reward Employees that Meet Wellness Goals

We are all children at heart. There is nothing more exciting than receiving presents or rewards for positive behaviors. This philosophy transcends into the arena of corporate wellness programs. People on their own are not necessarily motivated to make the changes that will improve their health. A wellness program that is well designed with appropriate incentives will increase employee participation. Increased participation should result in better outcomes; stabilize and lower claims cost.

Incentives can be used to encourage employees to participate in biometric screenings, health risk assessments, wellness coaching and participate in company sponsored challenges and contests. “If done correctly, a wellness program and wellness incentive program demonstrates that the company values them and is willing to work with them to improve their health. It can have a positive effect on morale and employee satisfaction, which is linked to customer satisfaction. If employees are engaged and satisfied, they take better care of their customers. People want to work for companies that are interested in their health.” According to David Peer of Hinda Incentives in Chicago.

Important facts to remember when designing an incentive program:

Incentive programs designed to lower claim costs should use incentives that will change behavior.

Use specific incentives to focus on specific behaviors.

Stage your rewards for the entire process. Incentives must be ongoing to stimulate engagement.

Incentives should be used to get employees to initially participate in the program; but then incentives should shift to reflect improvement in health.

Incentives should be of a broad spectrum, as individuals are motivated by rewards that are meaningful to them. Gift cards and point based catalogs have wide appeal.

Remember, the ultimate goal of any corporate wellness program is to reduce health care spending and lower claim costs. The bigger picture is creating a healthier employee population. A wellness program with well designed incentives should accomplish this goal.