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Three Tips for a Healthier Workplace

Three Tips for a Healthier Workplace

Johnson & Johnson has one. So does Chick Fil-A. Indeed, practically every company in America has an employee wellness program in place, but how many actually measure the program’s effectiveness? Fewer than one quarter, according to a recent study by Buck Consultants. According to the study, 77% of employers in the U.S. offer at least one program to keep employees healthy (think free gym memberships and incentives to stop smoking), but only 23% actually measure the outcomes of those programs.

That’s a mistake, say health-care consultants. “By knowing what types of programs work best, you’ll be able to see how to move the needle in terms of health-care premiums and other benefits of corporate wellness, like reduced absenteeism and increased productivity,” says David Atkinson, vice president of corporate wellness for Cooper Corporate Solutions, a firm which helps companies design programs to keep employees healthy. Make no mistake: There are real benefits to be had by setting up an employee wellness program, and appropriately rewarding employees for their participation. Here are some tips to make sure you’re getting the most out of yours, and rewarding employees appropriately for participating.

Tip 1: Design a Program
Companies that are looking to wellness programs to reduce insurance premiums and absenteeism need to design programs that can be more specifically tied to those goals, Atkinson says.

As an example, when Redstone Presbyterian Care, a health-care facility with more than 400 employees, was hit with a 44% increase in health-insurance premiums, it realized it needed to do something – fast. “We weren’t paying attention to what was going on around us,” says Jim Hodge, vice president of human resources. Specifically, employee obesity, tobacco use, high blood pressure and other health risks were causing the company’s premiums to skyrocket.

Redstone initially responded with a variety of free fitness activities, like yoga and kickboxing classes, that employees could participate in. “We even offered ballroom dancing,” Hodge says.

Employees received points for completing every activity, and those points were redeemable for cash or merchandise, like fitness equipment. “What we learned was that people didn’t necessarily equate the fact that they were doing these programs for wellness,” Hodge says.

So Redstone adjusted its program; now, instead of simply participating in exercise classes, they also have to overcome several hurdles in order to participate in the company’s insurance program. Now, employees who want to be insured by Redstone must undergo a health-risk assessment, biometric screening and meet with a wellness coach three times annually. The result? “More of our employees are really paying attention to their wellness,” Hodge says. “Three employees have given up tobacco this year, and countless others have lost weight.”

The upshot? The company has saved more than $440,000 in insurance premiums, and has managed to hold annual insurance-premium increases to single digits. “We found that really educating people about their health works much better than simply throwing a bunch of programs at them,” Hodge adds.

Tip 2: Offer Incentives
Most employees won’t be eager to stop smoking or lose weight without a little nudge, say wellness experts. Indeed, 56% of companies in the U.S. offer incentives like gifts, merchandise, or reduced insurance costs, for participating in wellness programs. How to find the right incentives for your group?

That depends on how big of a change you’re asking employees to make, says Rich Allen, vice president of group benefits and risk analysis for Cooper Corporate Solutions. “If you’re looking at wellness as a fun thing for employees to do, small incentives such as logoed pedometers, yoga mats, T-shirts and athletic gear will do the trick,” Allen says. “If your objective is to change costs and risk factors for employees, you have to be much more aggressive in the incentives you offer.”

For example, companies covered by Cigna’s health plan can opt into a program that pays out bigger rewards, such as jewelry and electronics, for completing a series of health screenings or participating in a program to control their diabetes. Other companies reward employees for major lifestyle changes, such as a sustained drop in blood pressure, by reducing the amount they have to contribute to their health-care premiums. In a program Cooper created for NEI, a server company, employees who showed progress in health screenings would pay a discount on their health-care contributions. After participating in the program for four years, NEI had “almost completely eradicated high-risk blood pressure among its employees, and had a 50% reduction in employees with high-risk cholesterol,” Allen says. “That’s a pretty impressive result.”

Tip 3: Measure Results
Companies creating wellness programs to improve the work environment should be able to measure results by simply surveying the population. “Are employees having fun? Do they like what’s happening? Then good, you’re on the right track,” says Smytha Haley, a wellness consultant.

Those who want to track the effectiveness of the program on the bottom line should be prepared to wait about 18 months for a result, Haley says. For many firms, 18 months is the point at which workers’ bettering health begins to cancel out the cost of sponsoring and administering the corporate wellness program.

As a rule of thumb, the average cost to a business is about $3 to $5 per participating staff member per month. “Within three years of the launch you ought to be seeing meaningful savings,” Haley says.

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Tasty Food and Beverage Gifts

Show off client branding – and appeal to recipients’ taste buds – with a fun food kit.

From gourmet snacks to clever candy, food and beverage gifts have continued to make up a small but mighty segment of the promo world since the pandemic engineered new life into the category, which was ASI Media’s 2021 Product of the Year. They’re both memorable and versatile, offering a unique, fun vessel for client appreciation, employee engagement or event giveaways that’s sure to be enjoyed by recipients.

chocolate binge box

This chocolate binge box holds a sweet stash for cozy days in – includes chocolate raisins (4 oz.), malt balls (1 oz.), cookie dough bites (4 oz.) and mini pretzels (1 oz.). Great for employee appreciation gifts or winter wellness campaigns.

cozy-meets-tasty bundle of gifting staples

Show client appreciation this holiday season with this cozy-meets-tasty bundle of gifting staples: a 20-oz. two-tone tumbler with custom imprint, embroidered chenille fringed blanket, peanut butter cups, sea salt caramels, ground coffee and a customizable message card.

sweet and savory treats

Ideal for outdoor team-building events or a holiday sweepstakes giveaway, this gourmet gift packs sweet and savory treats like cheesy popcorn, pretzel-chocolate chip cookies, a dark chocolate seed bar and more into an Igloo Maddox Deluxe Cooler.

prosecco-flavored gummy bears

These prosecco-flavored gummy bears with a tart sugar crystal finish are available in tasting packets and small or large jars. They’re nonalcoholic, perfect for sharing or savoring solo and a fun fit for bridal showers, milestone celebrations or hospitality welcome kits.

mug and popcorn kit

Bring the nostalgia with this mug and popcorn kit, featuring a 16-oz. stainless-steel mug and a bag of Ella’s s’mores-flavored campfire popcorn. Great for homecoming gifts, campsites or scout troops.

mini-cookies

Choose from flavors like chocolate chip, cinnamon snap, key lime pie and vanilla pecan for these mini-cookies, made with all-natural ingredients and packaged in a customizable 4-inch canister. Ideal for birthday mailers, company meetings or onboarding kits.

Celebratory Awards and Plaques

Recognize donors, high achievers, work anniversaries and more with these popular customized awards and plaques.

For employees, consistent recognition and appreciation efforts can increase tenure at a company by up to 3.5 years, consumer research has found. Awards and plaques continue to be a timeless way to recognize achievement, commemorate milestones and elevate a brand’s presence – whether it’s executives in the C-suite or high schoolers reaching academic milestones.

10 inch acrylic tower award

Catch light from every angle with this sleek 10” acrylic tower award. Available with blue or gold accents to thank donors or celebrate high performers at an end-of-year awards ceremony.

Ashford Plaque

With a rich walnut grain and a beveled edge, the Ashford Plaque is an ideal pick for recognizing academic achievements or sports teams at school award ceremonies. Measures 7” x 9”, with the option for a four-color process imprint.

die-struck enamel challenge coin

Clients can choose from multiple finishes and 2-D designs on one or both sides with this fully customizable die-struck enamel challenge coin (CCI). Four soft enamel colors included. Great for military appreciation, nonprofit fundraising or team-building retreats.

zinc plates

These custom zinc plates are durable, weatherproof and come in a gold, silver or copper finish, with options for embossing or debossing. Well-suited as outdoor signage, commemorative plaques or branded architectural elements.

wall plaque

This made-in-USA walnut-finish wall plaque with decorative corner rosettes adds a classic touch to any recognition display. Available in several sizes to commemorate employee awards in government offices or historical societies.

crystal cube paperweight

Featuring a corner-cut design that creates a floating illusion, this crystal cube paperweight is a unique choice for onboarding gifts or creative agency branding that creates a fun visual effect. Available in three sizes.

Motivating Corporate Gifts and Incentives

Prime corporate-gifting season is here, so make your holiday promotions stand out with unique, quality branded items.

End-of-year corporate gifting is one of the hallmarks of the promotional products industry, whether it’s for employee-appreciation initiatives, recognition for top performers or client thank-yous after a successful year. And it’s for good reason: 80% of companies reported that corporate gifting has enhanced relationships with both clients and employees. Make a statement this gifting season with thoughtful, quality items designed with the recipient in mind, rather than as a walking billboard.

leather duffel

Sized for carry-on travel, this leather duffel features a full leather bottom, antique brass feet, PVC-backed lining and matching luggage tag. Its elevated appearance makes it a great fit for executive retreats, travel agencies or luxury-hospitality giveaways.

3 inch glass ornament

This 3” glass ornament with color-changing illumination and pad print customization is available in assorted colors and adds a festive glow anywhere it’s displayed. Great for corporate holiday parties.

cheese board

A sleek mix of black marble and acacia wood gives this cheese board set a modern edge. With a hidden drawer to keep the included cheese tools tucked away – plus natural variations that make each piece one of a kind – it’s a classy pick for real estate gifting.

Toscano gift set

This Toscano gift set is ideal for corporate travel promotions or client thank-yous in the hospitality sector. Includes an RFID passport holder, RFID cardholder and luggage tag, all crafted from genuine leather and neatly packaged in a gift box.

single-speed classic beach cruiser bicycle

Reward winners of yearlong wellness initiatives or make an impact during a campus giveaway with this single-speed classic beach cruiser bicycle. Features 26-inch wheels, a spring saddle and custom color options.

JBL Tune 520BT wireless headphones

These JBL Tune 520BT wireless headphones deliver strong sound powered by Bluetooth technology and 57 hours of battery life. Features include EQ customization, voice prompts, call switching and fold-flat design for portability. Perfect for tech-forward programs or remote-work kits.

Moleskine notebook and pen

This refined gift set features a Moleskine hardcover ruled pocket notebook and a Moleskine x Kaweco rollerball pen with black ink, packaged in a classic black gift box.

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Three Tips for a Healthier Workplace

Tasty Food and Beverage Gifts

Celebratory Awards and Plaques

Motivating Corporate Gifts and Incentives

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