Top 10 Wellness Program Incentives

May 6, 2023

Well, well, well, it seems like the term wellness has been spreading like wildfire lately – and for all the right reasons!

In this day and age, taking care of both your physical and mental health should be a top priority. Luckily, employers are starting to catch on and are implementing wellness programs in the workplace. Companies are providing their employees with the tools and support they need to prioritize their health and well-being.

Let’s face it, sometimes we all need a little extra push to stay on track. So, to spice things up and keep you motivated, I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 wellness program incentives that will have you feeling like a million bucks in no time!

10 Wellness Program Incentives

Reward points

Who doesn’t love a little extra motivation to keep up with their wellness goals? That’s where reward points come in – they’re like little gold stars for your hard work! Some companies are taking wellness programs to the next level by offering reward points for healthy behaviors, which can then be redeemed for some seriously cool prizes. We’re talking fitness gear, gift cards, event tickets, time off, massage, and maybe even a tropical vacation depending on the budget and resources available to the company. Employees can earn points for doing things like getting a health screening, attending a fitness class, meeting with a personal trainer, participating in a step challenge, tracking their water intake, and logging their hours of sleep. With so many ways to earn points, it’s never been easier (or more rewarding) to prioritize your health in the workplace.

Cash incentives

Who doesn’t love a little extra cash in their pocket? Well, some forward-thinking companies are taking notice and using money as a motivator to encourage healthy habits and wellness goals.

With cash incentives like health insurance premium reductions, money bonuses for participating in wellness programs, or cash prizes for achieving fitness milestones, employees can have some serious skin in the game when it comes to their health. And who knows? Maybe that extra chunk of change will be just the push they need to hit that next big goal or try a new wellness activity.

Fitness classes

It’s no secret that exercise is a key ingredient in the recipe for a healthy lifestyle. And for those of us who spend most of our days parked in front of a computer screen, getting up and moving can be a real challenge. But fear not! Some wellness programs are coming to the rescue by offering a plethora of employee fitness incentives. From free fitness classes and discounted gym memberships to on-site yoga and pilates, the options for getting active are endless. And for those who prefer to mix work and play, walking meetings and employee running or walking clubs can help them sneak in a workout while on the job. With virtual fitness classes and other resources also available, there’s no excuse not to get moving and make wellness a priority. So, let’s lace up those sneakers and get ready to sweat!

Healthy snacks

Let’s face it, when hunger strikes and we’re in a rush, it can be tempting to grab the nearest bag of chips or candy bar. But no need to worry, there’s a simple solution to this common workplace dilemma: healthy snacks! By providing nutritious snack options at work, employers can help their employees make smarter food choices and avoid those mid-afternoon energy crashes.

A few examples of workplace snacks include: 

  • Fresh fruits such as apples, bananas, oranges, berries, and grapes
  • Cut vegetables such as carrots, celery, cucumber, and peppers
  • Hummus, tahini or other healthy dips with vegetable sticks or whole-grain crackers
  • Nuts and seeds such as almonds, cashews, pistachios, and sunflower seeds
  • High protein yogurt such as Greek or Skyr or cottage cheese with fresh fruit and low sugar granola
  • Cheese sticks or cheese cubes with whole-grain crackers or fruit
  • Energy bites or protein balls made with oats, nut butter, and dried fruit
  • Smoothies made with fruits, vegetables, and protein powder
  • Protein bars or snack bars with low sugar, a high protein content, and zero to minimal preservatives (a few favorites of mine include RXBAR’s, KIND, and GoMacro bars).
  • Dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao for a sweet and antioxidant-rich treat.

Mental health support

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and some wellness programs understand this by offering a variety of mental health resources. 

Here are some examples of mental health ideas for employee wellness:

  • Counseling and therapy sessions with licensed professionals.
  • Virtual meditation and mindfulness classes to help employees manage stress and anxiety.
  • Support groups for employees dealing with specific mental health conditions or life challenges.
  • Stress management workshops and training sessions to help employees develop coping mechanisms and reduce stress.
  • Educational seminars and webinars focused on mental health topics like resilience, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence.
  • Access to employee assistance programs (EAPs), which can offer confidential counseling and support for employees and their families.
  • Flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible schedules, to help employees balance work and personal life and reduce stress.

By providing a range of mental health resources, employers can create a supportive work environment that values the mental health and well-being of their employees.

Onsite wellness events

Get ready to mark your calendars because hosting wellness events in the workplace is the way to go! These events can be a perfect way to inspire employees to take charge of their health, promoting a positive and healthy work environment. From health fairs to educational workshops, employers can provide resources and education about healthy living, motivating employees to adopt healthy habits.

Personalized wellness plans

Each employee has unique wellness needs, and a one-size-fits-all approach to wellness programs may not work for everyone. That’s why some wellness programs offer personalized wellness plans to help employees identify their individual health goals and work towards them.

With personalized plans, employees can receive tailored recommendations for fitness routines, nutrition, stress management, and more, based on their specific needs and preferences. By creating a wellness plan that works for them, employees can stay motivated and achieve better health outcomes.

Competition as a wellness incentive

Healthy competition can be a great motivator when it comes to employee wellness. Workplace wellness programs can take it up a notch by offering fun and competitive activities that can get employees excited about maintaining their health.

Here are some examples of health competition in wellness programs:

  • Fitness challenges: From plank challenges to squat challenges, there are many fitness challenges that can be organized in the workplace. These challenges can be designed for beginners or advanced fitness enthusiasts, and can be a fun way to encourage employees to incorporate exercise into their daily routines.
  • Sports leagues: Organizing sports leagues can be a fun way to get employees active and build team spirit. From softball to volleyball, there are many sports that can be played in the workplace.
  • Step challenges: This is a popular way to get employees moving and motivated to hit their daily step goals. Employees can compete individually or as teams to see who can log the most steps.
  • Healthy recipe competitions: Encourage employees to share their favorite healthy recipes by organizing a healthy recipe competition. Employees can submit their recipes, and a panel of judges can taste-test and award prizes to the winners.

By incorporating these competitive wellness ideas into workplace wellness programs, employees can have fun while improving their health and well-being.

Preventative care

Staying ahead of health issues is key to leading a healthy life. That’s why many wellness programs are stepping up to offer preventive care services, including health screenings, dietitian consults, eye exams, and dental check-ups. By providing these services, employers can help their employees stay healthy and prevent disease. 

Work-life balance

Taking care of yourself extends beyond the workplace. Work-life balance is essential for overall health and well-being. 

Here are some examples of employee wellness incentives for improving work-life balance:

  • Flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible schedules, to help employees balance work and personal life.
  • Paid time off (PTO) or vacation time to allow employees to take time away from work and recharge.
  • Family care resources, such as on-site or subsidized child care, elder care, or pet care.
  • Access to employee assistance programs (EAPs), which can offer confidential counseling and support for employees and their families.
  • Encouraging breaks and setting boundaries to prevent overworking and burnout.
  • Education and resources on time management, stress management, and work-life balance.

By offering these types of incentives, employers can create a supportive work environment that values the well-being of their employees both at work and in their personal lives.

Wellness Program Incentives that work

Staying motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle isn’t always easy, which is why workplace wellness programs provide an extra boost of support. As we’ve learned, there are countless ways that employers can incentivize employees to prioritize their health and well-being. So, take advantage of the resources available to you, and don’t forget to give yourself a pat on the back for all your hard work. Here’s to a healthy and happy lifestyle!

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About Ashley:

Ashley is a dedicated and passionate clinical nutritionist. She holds a Masters of Science in Nutrition and Integrative Health from Maryland University of Integrative Health. She specializes in personalized nutrition counseling, helping clients achieve their health goals through tailored recommendations.

 

As an integrative nutritionist, Ashley uses a holistic approach, focusing on balanced nutrition, physical activity, and mental well-being. She enjoys hearing her clients’ personal stories, journeys, and goals and hopes to create a space where each client feels comfortable being themselves.