Statistics show that gamified wellness programs can be highly effective. According to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, employees who participated in gamified wellness programs saw a significant improvement in their health behaviors, with participants losing an average of 6 pounds over the course of the program.
So, what makes a wellness program gamified and effective? One key factor is offering desirable incentives for wellness achievements. Incentives can be a powerful motivator and can encourage employees to adopt healthy behaviors.
Here are some desirable incentives that organizations can consider offering.
- Gift cards to popular retailers or restaurants
- Fitness gear or wearable technology
- Health and wellness classes or experiences
- Healthy snacks
- Paid time off or extra vacation days
- Health insurance premium reductions
It is also important to make the incentives achievable and attainable. For example, if an employee has to reach a weight loss goal of 50 pounds in order to receive an incentive, it may not be realistic or attainable for everyone. Instead, consider offering a range of incentives at different levels of achievement, such as reaching a 10 pound weight loss or participating in a certain number of fitness classes.
Finally, it is important to make the incentives meaningful and relevant to the employee's life. For example, offering a gift card to a popular retailer that the employee frequently shops at is more meaningful than a generic gift card to a store they don't visit.
In conclusion, gamifying wellness programs can be a highly effective way to improve the health and wellness of employees. Offering desirable incentives for wellness achievements is a key factor in making a program successful. HR Generalists and Wellness Consultants should consider offering incentives that are achievable, attainable, and meaningful to employees.