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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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Promotions Planner: Beat the Heat

Start presenting ideas to clients for promotional campaigns centered around July observances.

The biggest promo focus in July is undoubtedly Independence Day, with flags and red, white and blue accessories everywhere. But it’s far from the only opportunity to build a unique – and impactful – campaign during the heart of summer. Whether it’s spotlighting small businesses or encouraging a day at the waterpark, these July observances are perfect canvases for an inspiring summer promo campaign.

Independent Retailer Month

The goal of this month-long observance is to encourage consumers to shop local and support their favorite indie retailers, from restaurants to bookstores to home goods.

Pitch: Work with your town chamber of commerce to distribute branded tote bags, stickers or other goodies for local small businesses to give out to their customers during the month of July.

Foldable reusable grocery tote bag

July 5: National Graham Cracker Day

Despite the graham cracker’s unique origins as a supposed health food, they’re most well-known today for their use in desserts – which makes this observance the perfect excuse for a sweet promo campaign.

Pitch: Take inspiration from this observance at your next company picnic or employee appreciation event and send attendees home with a s’mores kit.

S’mores kit bag

July 15: National Give Something Away Day

National Give Something Away Day is all about doing something selfless for others: giving away time, money or no-longer-needed items. In the spirit of this observance, companies in any vertical can give out promo, but bonus points for campaigns centered around making someone smile.

Pitch: Organize a company-wide volunteer day, and thank participants with a little something to brighten up their desks.

Ceramic planter set

July 24: National Drive-Thru Day

National Drive-Thru Day got its start at a drive-up-only Jack in the Box restaurant in San Diego more than 70 years ago – and it lives on today in Americans’ love for the fast-food pit stop mid-road trip and in the many restaurants that also offer carryout services.

Pitch: Suggest that restaurant chains – or any restaurant offering drive-up takeout – thank their customers for stopping by with a car-themed promotion like an accessory kit or cell phone holder.

Universal magnetic car phone holder

July 28: National Waterpark Day

In the heat of the summer, what kid doesn’t like a day at the waterpark? Founded by Kalahari Resorts – an indoor waterpark chain – this observance aims to celebrate just that.

Pitch: Waterparks and swimming pools can give out toys like these reusable water balloons with an admission purchase on National Waterpark Day.

Reusable water balloons

Recognizable Retail Brands

Add an extra boost of recognition to your next promotional campaign with items from fan-favorite retail brands.

What’s hot in retail has always influenced what’s hot in promo. That goes for individual products and the current “it brands” in apparel, drinkware and beyond – and it’s not just about following the crowd that makes these brands special. In fact, three-quarters of end-buyers would have a more favorable view of an advertiser if they were given name-brand promotional apparel instead of a generic product, according to a recent study from ASI Research.

20 oz YETI Rambler

The 20 oz YETI Rambler is ideal for camping aficionados and morning commuters alike. It features a splash-resistant lid and double-wall insulation to keep drinks at the perfect temperature.

Carhartt hoodie

A perfect layer for unpredictable weather, this cotton/poly blend Carhartt hoodie is durable and warm. Great for the construction or manufacturing industries.

full-zip Patagonia vest

Crafted from 100% recycled polyester fleece and Fair Trade Certified, this full-zip Patagonia vest features a sweater-knit face, fleece interior and zippered pockets.

40 oz thermal tumbler

This 40 oz thermal tumbler from growing drinkware brand Owala is double-wall vacuum insulated with a dual-purpose threaded lid and built-in straw. Great for Gen Z-targeted promotions.

Peter Millar performance polo

Transition seamlessly from the workplace to the golf course with a Peter Millar performance polo in a variety of striped patterns. A classic corporate gift.

Stanley Quencher tumbler

Keep drinks cold for hours with a smaller version of the Stanley Quencher tumbler, made from recycled stainless steel and featuring a versatile FlowState lid.

Promotions Planner: Summer Fun

Start presenting ideas to clients for campaigns centered around June observances.

Spring is on the horizon – and that means it’s time to begin planning for summer promo campaigns. In addition to large-scale nationwide observances that kick off summer like Memorial Day and Father’s Day, there’s plenty of more niche reasons to celebrate that could be perfect for the right client. June could be a particularly effective chance to target concert venues for World Music Day, for example. Use these product suggestions from ASI suppliers to jumpstart your June campaign plans.

June 1: National Cancer Survivors Day

This annual observance is meant to provide all cancer survivors with an opportunity to celebrate life and raise awareness about resources, research and legislation affecting cancer patients.

Perfect for: Hospitals, research organizations or companies who support cancer nonprofits can show support for survivors with appropriately colored ribbons or silicone wristbands.

Cancer awareness ribbons

June 9: National Meal Prep Day

Celebrated on June 9 each year, National Meal Prep Day was created to encourage amateur cooks and kitchen pros alike to prepare meals in advance to ensure healthy, balanced eating.

Perfect for: Encourage home cooking and healthy eating as part of a corporate wellness initiative by offering employees meal prep or food storage containers.

Wheat straw lunch box

June 16: World Sea Turtle Day

All six species of sea turtles found in U.S. waters are currently classified as endangered – creating an observance like World Sea Turtle Day, which focuses on highlighting the importance of the animal.

Perfect for: Suggest that ocean conservation nonprofits, nature preserves or zoos host a kids’ event centered on sea turtles, complete with giveaways or prizes.

Turtle stress ball

June 20: World Productivity Day

June normally isn’t when people purchase new planners, but marking World Productivity Day could be a way to recenter your team on goals for the second half of the year.

Perfect for: Recommend that managers or department heads lead a goal-setting session using branded planners or notepads.

A5 leather planner notebook

June 21: World Music Day

Also known as Fête de la Musique, this annual observance was started in France but now is celebrated all over the world to highlight the universal appeal of music.

Perfect for: Free concerts and musical instrument retailers alike will need promo giveaways or merch items to celebrate this observance, whether that’s band tees or mini-microphones.

Mini-microphone

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