Physical activity and motivating factors of participants in a financially incentivized worksite wellness program

Abstract

Worksites are continuing to use wellness programs to encourage employees to adopt and maintain healthy behaviors. Some of these programs offer financial incentives to maximize employee participation and motivate behavior change. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to gather information regarding a financially incentivized worksite wellness program at a Southeastern United States university. Participants: A 15-item electronic survey was distributed to participants enrolled in the Virgin Pulse HealthMiles (VHM) program at Belmont University. Methods: Steps per day were uploaded to the VHM website by program enrollees (N = 458). The survey inquired about physical activity habits, motivating factors, and improvements in cardiovascular disease risk factors since joining the program. Results: VHM enrollees took an average of 7321 steps/day, as measured by objective pedometer data. Among the 146 respondents, the most motivating factor for participation was the financial incentive, which was considered ‘strongly motivating’ by 64%. About 82% reported being more physically active, 71% felt better, 57% had more energy, and 56% had lost weight since joining the program. The average self-reported weight loss was 7 ± 12 lb (mean ± SD). About 87% indicated they would recommend this program to a friend. Conclusions: The enrollees in the VHM program are taking about 2000 steps/day more than the average American. Most of the people who responded to the survey reported that their physical activity had increased since starting the program. The financial incentive was the most motivating factor to participate.

Keywords:

• financial incentive
• worksite wellness
• motivating factors
• health promotion
• employee wellness