Employee Perceptions of Wellness Programs and Incentives

Abstract

Purpose:

To explore, by income level, employee perceptions of an employer offered wellness incentive program.

Design:

Qualitative and quantitative study that includes a survey with close-ended and open-ended questions.

Setting:

The study setting was a hospital in Wisconsin.

Participants:

Participants (n = 105).

Measures and Analysis:

Quantitative responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics in Qualtrics and logistic regression in Statistical Analysis System.

Results:

Sixty-three percent participated in the wellness incentivized program because their employer offers them a reward; 52% said they would participate without a reward; 48% feel like they must participate in this year’s program; and 34% feel like they would have to disclose information about their health at or below the current reward level.

Conclusion:

Income does not have a significant effect on whether employees feel they must participate or disclose health information. However, income has a significant effect on employee’s beliefs about whether or not employers should play an active role in improving the health of their employees.