Wellness programs are linked to greater worker productivity, less absenteeism and are becoming extremely popular as employers do their best to improve staff health. These initiatives are also beneficial because health care costs are expected to increase. Incentive Magazine points out that a recent report by the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation notes that medical expenditures are likely to increase in the near future.
"By 2030, medical costs associated with treating preventable obesity-related diseases are estimated to increase by $48 billion to $66 billion per year in the U.S., and the loss in economic productivity could be between $390 billion and $580 billion annually by 2030," the report explains.
Wellness programs can help combat this problem. According to Inc. Magazine, a 2008 survey from Buck Consultants shows that 74 percent of responding companies stated that saving money on health care costs is the main reason they started their wellness initiatives. Secondary motivators were reducing absences and boosting workplace satisfaction.
That's why it's important to encourage engagement with your corporate wellness program. It's not enough to just make it a part of your employee benefits program – you need to actively work to ensure that everyone is participating.
Read on for a look at some of the strategies you can use to motivate your workers to get healthy.
Make it cheaper
Many people complain that getting in shape is too expensive because they think that the only way to achieve that objective is by going to the gym. And while it is true that most fitness centers charge exorbitant monthly fees, you can help solve this problem.
Contact local gyms and negotiate a special rate for your staff. Even if you can only obtain a 10 percent discount or a free trial, you'd be taking a great step toward bolstering engagement in your wellness program.
Alternatively, you could try something a bit more creative. Consider reimbursing employees when they buy running shoes or fitness trackers like the Fitbit. Everyone has money on their mind, so if you make getting healthy cheaper than it usually is, you'd be doing a huge favor for your workforce.
Change the menu
There's always food around the office, be it a catered meeting or a vending machine. You can encourage healthier eating habits by putting out nutritional treats. For instance, don't buy donuts for everyone – serve fresh fruit and vegetables. Instead of buying pizzas and bagels for meetings, serve salads and granola.
As for the snacks in the machines, work with your vendor to find healthy options. Explain that you don't want chips, cookies and candy in there and would prefer if you could have items like peanut butter crackers, granola bars and low-calorie pretzels.
Create a team
Getting healthy is hard, especially when you're doing it alone. If you don't have support, it's easy to make excuses and cheat on your wellness program. After all, when no one's holding you accountable, you can justify skipping the gym a few times a week and eating pizza instead of salad.
You should encourage your employees to come together as a health team. Ask staff members to work out together or sponsor groups for events like road races and endurance competitions. If everyone is working together, they'll probably stick with your wellness program.
Remember the mental aspect
Inc. Magazine also notes that you have to be aware of metal health as well as physical wellness. Stress can cause a number of ailments, including heart conditions and high blood pressure. Employers should encourage their workers to find ways to relax, such as getting away from their desks by taking quick walks or reading a book.
Offer additional support
The news source also recommends making other behavioral assistance available. One of the best options is to have wellness coaches speak with employees. These health professionals can help workers figure out the best ways to improve their fitness and eliminate unhealthy activities. Additionally, have mental health professionals available because they can provide some support that wellness coaches aren't certified to. Furthermore, some organizations like the American Lung Association will come to an office and hold ongoing smoking cessation classes for a low price.