Incentive - July 2008 - (Page 80)

AWARDS How to use health and wellness rewards to motivate employees t’s no surprise that a healthy staff productivity could be gained if no one on your workforce took a means a more productive workplace and decreases in health smoke break? care costs. Studies show that A wellness program trend comfor every $1 employers spend on panies are implementing: integrating wellness, there is a $3 savings on merchandise rewards that will motiBy Dana health care costs. Companies are now, Slockbower, vate employees to stay healthy outmore than ever, taking an active inter- Director of side the office. Many employees Marketing est in the health and well-being of involved in a wellness program at Rymax their employees. And it’s not just the work are making complete lifestyle Marketing cost-saving element that makes this an Services Inc. changes—and they want to make attractive approach. A healthy workthose changes at home, too. By www.rymax inc.com force can mean a decrease in absenbanking the points she earns at work teeism, reduced turnover and a boost for attending a yoga class, having in performance and productivity. With these regular blood pressure readings, and starting results, it’s no wonder that the number of a “walking group” at lunch-time, a particiemployers implementing wellness programs pant may accumulate enough points to has tripled since last year. earn a Nautilus elliptical. The ellipThree issues that affect employee productical allows her to get a tivity are Stress, Lifestyle Medical Condilow-impact, intense cartions and Presenteeism (for more on what diovascular workout with“presenteeism” is, see www.incentivemag out leaving home. Plus, the .com/presenteeism). A wellness program machine exercises the arms could essentially remedy all three. It’s been and legs, providing a workproven that leading a healthy lifestyle can out for the whole body. reduce stress and increase concentration. But, as with all other Healthy employees will use fewer sick rewards programs, what motidays—and come to work feeling under the vates one will not motivate all. weather less often—thus increasing Another participant may use efficiency in the office. those same points to redeem a cookware set from Circulon, a So What Can I Do? Monster iFreePlay (that’s a pair of Gym membership rebates, incentives for iPod shuffle docking headphones) smoking cessation, and rewards for weight and a massaging back pad from loss are just a few ways corporations are Human Touch: all rewards that still stepping in to keep their workforce in top promote more healthful living. shape. Think about it: How many hours of Nonstick cookware makes Making Wellness Your Business I it possible to cook meals without using extra grease to prevent sticking, and cordless headphones make it easier to stay motivated while exercising. Enjoying a relaxing massage after a workout is also a great way to support wellness. Taking the time to relax can enhance mental health by reducing stress and promoting a better night’s sleep. With so many factors affecting wellness, it’s very important to have a rewards mix that speaks to all program participants. Do Your Homework By sourcing a variety of merchandise rewards that can be used by participants to reach their wellness goals, companies are essentially “killing two birds with one stone.” Employees are rewarded for being health-conscious at work, then cashing in the points for merchandise that motivates them to reach those goals even when nobody is looking, resulting in a complete lifestyle change—for the better. There needs to be a variety of price points for the instant gratifiers and the long-term savers. Take into consideration a range of skill levels by incorporating free weights, workout benches and iPod accessories. Each staff member is different. 80 | Incentive | July 2008 | incentivemag.com http://www.rymaxinc.com http://www.incentivemag.com/presenteeism http://www.incentivemag.com/presenteeism http://incentivemag.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Incentive - July 2008

Incentive - July 2008 Contents Editor’s Note: Accentuate the Positive In The News Cover Story: Three Profiles in Good Corporate Citizenship Case Study Incentive Interview Senior Secrets To Thine Own Self be True Incentive Primer Motivation@Work Travel News: Where To Go and What To Do Take the Spa Home Not the Only Game in Town Here and Now Writing and Desktop Gifts Watches and Clocks Gift Cards: Health and Wellness Incentives Good Health Is Not Its Own Incentive Advertiser Index Last Word

Incentive - July 2008

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