Almost 70% of wellness managers encouraged employee participation in wellness programs through cash-based incentives and rewards, up from about 55% of managers who used incentives in 2003, according to an online survey of workplace wellness managers conducted by Wellness Program Management Advisor and Wellness Junction. It makes good sense, both from a business and public health sense, and recruiters ought also to realize that their candidates may even come to expect such benefits from new employers.

National indicators place yearly U.S. health care spending in the trillions. In their attempts to offset their share of these costs, companies will often highlight the merits of preventive measures, encouraging employees to exercise regularly, and educating them on the aspects of a healthy diet. The percentage of participants rewarded for already being healthy and fit, in fact, has increased, from 57% in 2003 to 66% last year.

In 2006, the year for which the survey was conducted, incentives focused most on participation, at 67%, followed by a variety of others. Cash-based rewards were the most popular type offered. Non-cash-based incentives ran the gamut, from tee shirts to fitness equipment, healthy cookbooks, travel fitness packs, apparel, raffles, and gift cards.