Corporate Wellness Incentive Plans

Armed with data, Company Wellness Program topic preferences and goals/objectives – and a Company Wellness Program Committee eager 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 offered by other corporations to get an idea of what could possibly work 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 issues.  In addition, keep looking under Steps to an Effective Program for ideas to get you started!

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

Important Company 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 responsibility 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 advantageous if your workers are unaware of it or do not know the options or how to participate.  Communicate your wellness program using a variety of methods to make sure the message and “how-to’s” are heard!

   Worksite Health Promotion 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 Workplace Wellness Program Incentives:  You’ll be amazed to find out what most of us will do for a no cost T-shirt.  Incentives can both support and encourage participation among employees.  Consider both formal or organization rewards and incentives and informal or program rewards/prizes from local resources to reinforce participation in Workplace Wellness Programs. Either way, it’s significant to provide rewards and incentives that are enticing and meaningful to your employees.

   Formal Employee Health Promotion Program Incentives:

   • Savings on employee healthcare 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  

   Rewards or Informal Corporate Health Promotion Program Incentives:

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

4. Assess area resources available to provide some of the wellness services.  The local health department or your employer health care provider may be able to support  you with this information.  There are also vendors throughout the State providing great wellness services for employers.  They are available to help you strategize and find the best options available.

5. Begin 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.