Incentivising Workplace Wellness Initiatives: Input From the Experts

Date: 31.08.2010

Increasingly, Australian employers are beginning to recognise that investing in workplace wellness programs can slash health care costs, increase productivity, and boost morale. But even the most elaborate corporate wellness plan is likely to fall flat if employees don’t participate.As a result, there’s been a lot of discussion lately about the best ways to encourage staff buy-in and enthusiasm when it comes to workplace wellness initiatives. Options ranging from cash incentives to awards programs have been studied. Based on the latest research, here are a few guidelines to help develop more effective incentives for your company’s workplace wellness initiative.

• Offer a variety of reward options. Motivation is a tricky thing, and it can vary significantly between individuals. In order to ensure maximum employee engagement, devise a number of different incentive programs and allow employees to pick the one that best suits them.
   
• Consider high-stakes awards for employees who make the most significant gains. Achievements like cessation of tobacco use or major weight loss can save thousands in health care costs over the course of a career. Lavish employees who undertake a significant lifestyle change with a reward that is truly commensurate with their achievement. 
   
• Link rewards to professional development. Some employers have seen success with reward programs that reserve coveted slots at international conferences or deluxe accommodations at trade shows for employees who have actively participated in workplace wellness initiatives. 
   
• Remain in full compliance with applicable laws in your jurisdiction. In some cases, there may be a very fine line between creating a challenging and fun workplace wellness program and instituting workplace policies that some may view as discriminatory. Consult with an HR professional or a lawyer who specialises in personnel issues to eliminate any potential problems in this regard.