Don't overlook these crucial components.
No longer reserved for progressive, forward-thinking organizations, corporate wellness programs have become the norm for many U.S.-based companies (with more than 50 employees). A recent report sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and produced by the RAND Corporation found that over 80% of companies in the U.S. with over fifty employees offers some sort of wellness benefit.
The benefits of wellness programs are becoming clear, especially as they become a subject for serious academic research. A recent report from Harvard Business School found that for American-based companies, medical expenses fell by $3.27 for every dollar spent on wellness programs, and that employee absenteeism expenses fell by $2.73 (Forbes, June 2019).
Clearly these programs are good for employees and the bottom line. So what are the little things you can do to take a wellness program from good to great? Here are a few pro tips:
1. Use Branding
Create a name and logo for the program. In this case, fitness also provides an opportunity for employees of GoPrime to position how much their company Gives Back into the surrounding communities. Unique branding adds program legitimacy and creates unity as employees solve challenges together.
2. Offer Participation Giveaways
Don't underestimate how much people love free stuff. Incentivize program participation by offering the right gifts. Just be sure to sure to choose products that carry the health and wellness message.
3. Include Prizes People Want
The right rewards will encourage employees to stick with it. Consider using a multi-tiered approach with prizes for different levels of achievement.