The use of incentives to increase participation in worksite wellness programs is somewhat controversial. Some say incentives valued at approximately $100 are necessary to increase participation. Others argue incentives should be used sparingly to avoid situations where health improvements are tied directly to incentives and participation stops if incentives are stopped (Goetzel & Ozminkowski, 2008).
Incentives can be used to address employees’ barriers to participation. Research has shown a range of incentives can be used to encourage employee participation. These incentives include flextime for participation, door prizes, wellness bonus points that can be used for exercise gear, reduction in employees’ portion of insurance premiums, extra leave days, cash, or other prizes. It is important to examine the incentive to find if it is helping address barriers or if it is simply a prize for participation. Since the most common barrier expressed by employees is a lack of time to participate in programs, incentives such as flextime or extra leave time may be most appropriate. Research suggests paid time off of work is the most preferred incentive by employees (Kruger et al., 2007).