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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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Decorative Keychains and Tags

Keychains and tags – a top ESP-searched promo category last year – are a staple for organizing keys or decorating everyday items like bags and purses.

Keychains and tags may be small, but they pack a promo punch. Whether they’re clipped to backpacks, belt loops or car keys, they offer high visibility at a low cost, making them a practical tool and a favorite for branded merch.

mini-wrist lanyard

Students can keep keys handy with this stretchy mini-wrist lanyard. The full-color band features a durable split ring that attaches securely in dorms and gyms. Great for fitness centers or college rec programs.

tape measure keychain

This keychain doubles as a 39” pocket-sized tape measure with self-lock release, rubber grip and secure clip-on ring – perfect for measuring on the go. Ideal for contractors and real estate agents.

slide-out phone stand keychain

This compact combo tool features a slide-out phone stand for hands-free viewing and a swivel screen cleaner to keep devices smudge-free. Includes a split ring attachment to attach to bags or keychains. Consider tech conferences.

bottle opener keychain

Featuring a durable lever edge, stainless-steel insert and split ring, this bottle opener keychain opens cans and bottles with ease and comes in a variety of colors. A smart pick for restaurants or outdoor festivals.

acrylic keychain

These lightweight acrylic keychains are fun everyday accessories that can be fully customized with any artwork, shape and message. Designed to stand out on backpacks or lunch bags, they’re a must for student clubs, artists or startups.

leather keychain

A unique take on a classic, this genuine leather keychain is sleek and simple, making it a solid choice for organizing keys and elevating everyday items. Well-suited for law firms and in corporate gifting kits.

ASI Chicago 2025: Product Showcase Winners

Explore the standout promotional items that distributors voted on as the winners of ASI Chicago’s Product Showcase.

The ASI Chicago show floor was chock-full of new products and exciting industry trends – and that innovation extended over to the Product Showcase, where suppliers showed off their latest and greatest offerings. Distributor attendees scouring the displays had the chance to vote on their favorites in fun categories from “most unique” to “best eco-friendly product.” Here are the winners.

Most Unique: Rhythmic Robotic Bluetooth Speaker

Rhythmic Robotic Bluetooth Speaker

Dance the night away with this Bluetooth-enabled dancing speaker robot, made of durable ABS plastic. The device syncs to music or custom routines via the Robert app and delivers up to 4 hours of playback time. Great for STEM programs or tech-themed youth events.

Most Fashion-Forward: The OG Perforated Interchangeable Rope System

The OG Perforated Interchangeable Rope System

Mix and match stock hat and rope colors for a unique headwear style with this five-panel mid crown hat, featuring the OG perforated interchangable rope system. Ideal for outdoor brands or team-building retreats.

Best in Technology: AirFly SE

AirFly SE

Use Bluetooth headphones for in-flight entertainment, gym TVs and more with this tiny wireless adapter that plugs into any headphone jack. A smart giveaway for travel agencies, airline loyalty programs or tech-savvy fitness clubs.

Best Eco-Friendly Product: Geometric Wooden Planter with Succulent

Geometric Wooden Planter with Succulent

This fully assembled planter kit comes pre-planted with a live succulent and makes for a perfect onboarding or employee appreciation gift. Choose your laser-engraved logo location on either the maple or walnut wood side.

Most Fun: Surprise Cake

Surprise Cake

Celebrate company birthdays or anniversaries with this confetti-packed explosion box, holding a 4-inch cake as well as custom sprinkles, ribbon and a personalized message card. Optional candy pop-up add ons available for extra flair.

Most Useful: Work From Anywhere Kit

Work From Anywhere Kit

Hybrid work calls for a hybrid kit. This compact clamshell bag in vegan leather holds 18 essentials for hybrid work life, from tech tools to office suppliers to personal care items. Optimal for remote employee appreciation or an office shifting to a hybrid work model.

Wonderful Writing Instruments

Branded pens continue to be a perennial favorite among end-buyers. They’re both versatile and practical for clients from banks to schools to tech companies, and demand is more than consistent. Choose a classic style with a stylus tip for your next client campaign – or be a little silly with a mini-character.

BIC Clic Stic

Lightweight and reliable, this retractable classic BIC Clic Stic comes in hundreds of color combinations, is certified carbon-neutral and features a break-resistant clip. Great for onboarding kits in university admissions offices.

plunger-action Dart pen

This plunger-action Dart pen is classic and versatile, with a functional design ideal for bulk distribution. One-color imprint on pen tube and insertion included. A smart fit for career fairs hosted by colleges or trade schools.

Lavon Stylus Chrome Pen

Recipients of the Lavon Stylus Chrome Pen can move from paper notes to touchscreens seamlessly. With a metallic satin-finished barrel and color-matched stylus, it’s ideal for startups, tech conferences or coding boot camps.

MopTopper pen

Fun and functional, this MopTopper pen features a smiley face, tie-shaped clip and a floppy head of “hair” that doubles as a screen cleaner. Includes a stylus tip and black medium-point ink. Perfect for prize boxes in pediatric dental or doctor’s offices.

Sharpie S-Gel pen

Offer a classic name with a sophisticated touch – the Sharpie S-Gel pen delivers bold, vivid lines with no smear or bleed. With a contoured rubber grip and a sleek matte finish, it’s a solid choice for legal firms or office meetings.

Gardena pen

With a stylus tip, chrome accents, soft-touch barrel and plunger-action design, this Gardena pen is a thoughtful pick for grand openings or real estate open houses. Features a medium point and black Glide-Write ink for a smooth feel.

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