Financial incentives: only one piece of the workplace wellness puzzle comment on "corporate wellness programs: implementation challenges in the modern american workplace".

Kristin Van Busum,Soeren Mattke

doi:10.15171/ijhpm.2013.62

Kristin Van Busum, Soeren Mattke

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.15171/ijhpm.2013.62

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Abstract

In this commentary, we argue that financial incentives are only one of many key components that employers should consider when designing and implementing a workplace wellness program. Strategies such as social encouragement and providing token rewards may also be effective in improving awareness and engagement. Should employers choose to utilize financial incentives, they should tailor them to the goals for the program as well as the targeted behaviors and health outcomes.

Highlights

In this commentary, we argue that financial incentives are only one of many key components that employers should consider when designing and implementing a workplace wellness program
The commentary “Corporate Wellness Programs: Implementation Challenges in the Modern American Workplace” by Mujtaba and Cavico strives to offer insights into reward versus penalty-based incentives to encourage participation in workplace wellness programs and to describe the legal framework that governs those incentives in the U.S [1]
Leading up to the discussion, the authors provide a description of the workplace wellness landscape by providing an overview of (a) various definitions of workplace wellness programs and the need for a “universally accepted definition”; (b) a list of common components of wellness programs, including health risk assessments, stress management programs, and smoking cessation programs; and (c) potential health benefits to be accrued from offering wellness programs beyond saving money for employers, such as improved health outcomes at both the employer and societal levels

Summary

Introduction

We argue that financial incentives are only one of many key components that employers should consider when designing and implementing a workplace wellness program. Wellness Programs, Health and Wellness Promotion, Lifestyle Management, Incentives, Employees, Workplace Culture, Employee Engagement The commentary “Corporate Wellness Programs: Implementation Challenges in the Modern American Workplace” by Mujtaba and Cavico strives to offer insights into reward (carrot) versus penalty-based (stick) incentives to encourage participation in workplace wellness programs and to describe the legal framework that governs those incentives in the U.S [1].

Results

Conclusion