{"id":3093,"date":"2020-01-02T17:19:49","date_gmt":"2020-01-03T00:19:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/?p=3093"},"modified":"2026-02-14T12:29:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-14T19:29:22","slug":"design-wellness-programs-successful","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Design Wellness Programs That Are Successful"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#How_should_employers_design_wellness_programs_for_long-term_success\" >How should employers design wellness programs for long-term success?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#Gain_Support_from_Management\" >Gain Support from Management<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#Assemble_a_Wellness_Committee\" >Assemble a Wellness Committee<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#Designate_a_Coordinator\" >Designate a Coordinator<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#Hold_Wellness_Committee_Meetings\" >Hold Wellness Committee Meetings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#Appoint_or_Recruit_Team_Leaders\" >Appoint or Recruit Team Leaders<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#Assess_the_Worksite_Health_Culture\" >Assess the Worksite Health Culture<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#Assess_Employee_Behaviors\" >Assess Employee Behaviors<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#How_much_does_it_cost_to_design_a_wellness_program\" >How much does it cost to design a wellness program?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#How_To_Do_It_Best\" >How To Do It Best<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#What_questions_should_employers_ask_wellness_program_vendors\" >What questions should employers ask wellness program vendors?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#Product_Quality\" >Product Quality<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#Professionals_Involved_with_Delivery\" >Professionals Involved with Delivery<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#ProductService_Delivery_Customer_Satisfaction\" >Product\/Service Delivery &amp; Customer Satisfaction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#Evaluation_and_Reporting\" >Evaluation and Reporting<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#Product_Cost_and_Value\" >Product Cost and Value<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#What_design_elements_make_wellness_programs_effective\" >What design elements make wellness programs effective?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#Education_and_Awareness\" >Education and Awareness<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#Motivation\" >Motivation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#Time\" >Time<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#Access\" >Access<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#Simplicity\" >Simplicity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#Cost\" >Cost<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#Support\" >Support<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#Goals\" >Goals<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#Tools\" >Tools<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#Environment_and_Policy\" >Environment and Policy<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#What_key_principles_guide_successful_wellness_program_design\" >What key principles guide successful wellness program design?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote executive-summary is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:1px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);font-size:17px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p style=\"font-size:20px\"><strong>Executive Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group executive-summary\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>How do you design a successful wellness program?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"executive-summary\" style=\"font-size:16px\">A successful wellness program is designed around real employee needs, clear goals, and strong leadership support. It includes simple, accessible activities, consistent communication, and ways to track participation and outcomes. When programs are easy to join, supported by leaders, and adjusted based on feedback, they are more likely to improve health, engagement, and long-term results.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-should-employers-design-wellness-programs-for-long-term-success\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_should_employers_design_wellness_programs_for_long-term_success\"><\/span>How should employers design wellness programs for long-term success?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you design company wellness programs, there are two basic options: use an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.benefitnews.com\/news\/choosing-a-wellness-vendor-tips-for-finding-the-right-match\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">outside vendor<\/a> or develop your program internally. Regardless of the option you choose, there are several steps you need to take to have a successful program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gain_Support_from_Management\"><\/span><strong>Gain Support from Management<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>First, support from all levels of management is key to the success of your wellness program. To gain management support, inform managers about the program early on and encourage them to participate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><strong>Additionally, regularly communicate the goals of the program and the anticipated benefits to both the company and employees. <\/strong>At this link below, there is the complete list of strategies you can use to get strong leadership support for your wellness program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1030\" height=\"687\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/resell-wellness.jpg\" alt=\"how to design wellness programs that are a success\" class=\"wp-image-1624\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/resell-wellness.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/resell-wellness-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/resell-wellness-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/resell-wellness-1024x683.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RELATED:  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/leadership-support-for-wellness-2\/\">How to Get Leadership Support for Employee Wellness<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<p>[video_embed url=&#8221;https:\/\/vimeo.com\/355097228&#8243;]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Assemble_a_Wellness_Committee\"><\/span><strong>Assemble a Wellness Committee<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/msdh.ms.gov\/msdhsite\/_static\/resources\/6663.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">wellness committee<\/a> is responsible for promoting the program, planning activities, communicating with management and employees, and facilitating program evaluation. The size and composition of the committee will depend on the size of your company and the scope of the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, a committee of at least 6 and no more than 12 should be adequate. The committee should include staff that represent various employee shifts and departments such as management, union representatives, human resources, or administrative assistants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RELATED:  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/worksite-wellness-committee\/\">How A Worksite Wellness Committee Helps Programs<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Designate_a_Coordinator\"><\/span><strong>Designate a Coordinator<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20240804163214\/https:\/\/www.topmastersinpublichealth.com\/faq\/what-does-a-wellness-coordinator-do\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">wellness coordinator<\/a> should be designated by management or elected by the wellness committee for a successful program. The primary role of the coordinator is to lead the wellness committee and to coordinate the internal delivery of the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, wellness program success is often linked to the coordinator\u2019s time and ability. <strong>It is essential that some or all of the coordinator\u2019s time be dedicated to the wellness program.<\/strong> If this isn\u2019t possible, then an outside vendor should be contracted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is a video on how WellSteps helps our program coordinators create a great program:<\/p>\n\n\n<p>[video_embed url=&#8221;https:\/\/vimeo.com\/338719572&#8243;]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RELATED:  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/corporate-wellness-consultant\/\">5 Ways a Corporate Wellness Consultant Helps Programs<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hold_Wellness_Committee_Meetings\"><\/span><strong>Hold Wellness Committee Meetings<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The wellness committee should meet at least on a quarterly basis. The committee may meet more often during peak times when planning or implementing activities or programs. Meeting frequency will depend on the committee goals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To revitalize the wellness committee, make committee membership a one or two year commitment so that new ideas and constituents are included on a rotating basis. The committee should create a communication mechanism with management so successes can be reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RELATED:  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/worksite-wellness-committee\/\">How a Worksite Wellness Committee Helps Programs<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Appoint_or_Recruit_Team_Leaders\"><\/span><strong>Appoint or Recruit Team Leaders<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Effective delivery of wellness initiatives is often dependent on a leader that is close to the participants. Depending on the structure of your organization, you may want to develop smaller teams that have leaders or \u201ccaptains\u201d to help provide motivation, information, and support to the program participants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Leaders have a major impact on whether the participants have a positive experience.  <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.octanner.com\/insights\/articles\/2019\/10\/23\/how_does_leadership_.html#:~:text=Leaders%20have%20a%20tremendous%20impact,achieve%20personal%20and%20professional%20success.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Leaders have a major impact <\/a>on whether the participants have a positive experience. A team leader can&nbsp;be the point of contact or messenger for information shared between the program participants and the wellness committee and vice versa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>It is important that the team leaders be creative, enthusiastic, and committed to the wellness program.<\/strong> The team leaders do not have to be the most active and healthy staff members; it is more important that they have the skills to help motivate their team members to be successful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To gain management support, inform managers about the program early on and encourage them to participate. Regularly communicate the goals of the program and the anticipated benefits to both the company and employees.  Here is a WellSteps training video on how to use a wellness team to have a great program. <\/p>\n\n\n<p>[video_embed url=&#8221;https:\/\/vimeo.com\/354980964&#8243;]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Assess_the_Worksite_Health_Culture\"><\/span><strong>Assess the Worksite Health Culture<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The purpose of completing a <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/10142226\/#:~:text=The%20culture%20audit%2C%20which%20has,cultural%20transformation%20in%20healthcare%20organizations.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">health culture audit<\/a> is to identify the cultural supports for good health and areas that might need improvement. <strong>A health culture audit will be a good starting point for your wellness initiative and will guide the actions of your wellness committee.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Working to improve the health culture at your worksite will make the worksite more supportive of healthy behaviors (i.e. healthy food choices, no smoking policies, walking during breaks, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One method for assessing your health culture can be found is called the<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/ws-checklist-to-change\">Checklist to Change<\/a>.<\/strong> It will help you assess your workplace and then identify evidence-based strategies to improve workplace policy and environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This checklist can be completed online in less than 10 minutes. It&#8217;s free and you will receive immediate feedback and implementation strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/ws-checklist-to-change\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"801\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Checklist-to-change.png\" alt=\"use wellsteps checklist to change in designing your wellness program\" class=\"wp-image-935\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Checklist-to-change.png 1600w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Checklist-to-change-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Checklist-to-change-768x384.png 768w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Checklist-to-change-1024x513.png 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Assess_Employee_Behaviors\"><\/span><strong>Assess Employee Behaviors<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The most common method of assessing employee behavior is to use a <a href=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20250522183110\/https:\/\/www.pdhi.com\/ncqa\/what-is-a-health-risk-assessment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Health Risk Appraisal or Assessment<\/a> (HRA). An HRA has two outputs. The first output is an individual report that can help your employees identify modifiable risk factors for chronic disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The second output is an aggregate report which can be used to stratify employees according to risk so that preventable health issues can be prioritized and strategies developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both online and paper\/pencil HRA\u2019s are available. Web-based HRA\u2019s are less expensive and offer feedback in real time. <strong>Whatever method you use, make it as simple as possible for employees to complete and submit their HRA so you get a high return rate. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider offering an incentive for people who complete the assessment. WellSteps offers an excellent HRA that can be found at the link below. &nbsp;A good health risk appraisal will generate useful health reports for individuals and aggregate reports for companies and is an integral part of a successful wellness program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RELATED:  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/resources-pha\">Demo the Personal Health Assessment Tool for Free<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-much-does-it-cost-to-design-a-wellness-program\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_does_it_cost_to_design_a_wellness_program\"><\/span><strong>How much does it cost to design a wellness program?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Company wellness programs&nbsp;typically cost between $3 and $7.50 per employee per month ($36 -$90\/ year). This can include a mobile app and website that can offer a health risk appraisal,&nbsp;incentive management, online resources,&nbsp;culture change,&nbsp;wellness campaigns and team challenges, and&nbsp;integration of fitness devices. Occasionally this cost will also include some money for simple incentives like gift cards or T-shirts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/successful-wellness-digital-platform.jpg\" alt=\"considering the costs of company programs for employees\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>WellSteps has over 400 worksites that we currently work with and most of them are getting a comprehensive wellness program for around $36-$90 per employee per year, depending on the size of the company. <strong>The larger the company, the smaller the cost per year.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This does not include the cost of&nbsp;biometric screening, health coaching, or benefits based incentives. These are not automatically included because they are the most expensive parts of any wellness program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"table-responsive\">\n<table class=\"table table-bordered table-striped\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Wellness Options:<\/th>\n<th>Cost<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Biometric screening (blood draw and analysis)<\/td>\n<td>$40-$75<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Health coaching (6 sessions)<\/td>\n<td>$140-$165<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Benefits-based incentives<\/td>\n<td>$200-$800 per employee per year<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>An effective employee wellness program can cost between $36 and $90 per employee per year. Add&#8230;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>biometric screening<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>telephonic&nbsp;health coaching<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>robust incentives<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>benefits-based incentives&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8230; and you can see how the cost grows dramatically. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-do-it-best\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_To_Do_It_Best\"><\/span>How To Do It Best<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>We have found that great participation happens if the employers will establish a&nbsp;benefits-based incentive plan.<\/strong> Benefits-based wellness incentive programs typically include the incentive of a discount on insurance premiums, paid time off, a contribution to an HSA or HRA, or a lower co-pay or deductible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Benefits-based incentives have a big impact on employee engagement. Some WellSteps clients offer a $50\/month discount off the cost of an insurance premium. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s $600 per year per qualifying employee. Other companies spend more and some spend less than this. In fact, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20221006105554\/https:\/\/www.healthcarefinancenews.com\/news\/employer-wellness-programs-spend-record-693-worker\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Washington Business Group on Health<\/a>, some employers are now spending $742 per employee per year on incentives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>If establishing a benefits-based incentive is too bold for your worksite, consider purchasing other incentives that are not tied to your benefits.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>If establishing a benefits-based incentive is too bold for your worksite, consider purchasing other incentives that are not tied to your benefits. Many of our WellSteps clients have a small wellness budget dedicated to purchasing rewards or incentives for&nbsp;program engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RELATED:  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-program-incentives\/\">Wellness Program Incentives: The Complete Guide<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-questions-should-employers-ask-wellness-program-vendors\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_questions_should_employers_ask_wellness_program_vendors\"><\/span>What questions should employers ask wellness program vendors?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are over 60 national companies that provide wellness services. &nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2017\/03\/24\/wellness-solutions-workplace-wellness-programs\/\">Here is the complete list of U.S. wellness vendors.<\/a> &nbsp;If you decide to hire a vendor, here is a list of questions you should ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Product_Quality\"><\/span><strong>Product Quality<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Can the vendor provide careful documentation of its product\/service health or cost impact?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Does the vendor have evaluative data to support the product\/service?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can the vendor provide several different integrated products\/ services or does it just specialize in one area?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Will the vendor customize the product to meet the needs of your company?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/WellSteps_Guide_new_2.jpg\" alt=\"questions to ask vendors who design company wellness programs\" class=\"wp-image-3923\" style=\"width:800px;height:534px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/WellSteps_Guide_new_2.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/WellSteps_Guide_new_2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/WellSteps_Guide_new_2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/WellSteps_Guide_new_2-1024x683.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Professionals_Involved_with_Delivery\"><\/span><strong>Professionals Involved with Delivery<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What type of education and training do the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-jobs-wellness-coordinator\/\">professionals<\/a> involved with the product\/service delivery have?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is the performance of professionals delivering products\/ services audited by the vendor for effectiveness, efficiency, accuracy, etc?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ProductService_Delivery_Customer_Satisfaction\"><\/span><strong>Product\/Service Delivery &amp; Customer Satisfaction<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Can the vendor clearly state in writing the products\/services that will be provided?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is the vendor willing to establish a contract with your organization?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Does the vendor provide you with an \u201caccount manager\u201d who will take full responsibility for your complete customer satisfaction?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Evaluation_and_Reporting\"><\/span><strong>Evaluation and Reporting<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Does the vendor collect adequate and accurate data on the product\/service activity and outcomes?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can the vendor provide reports and other aggregate data to the customer in appropriate electronic formats?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"614\" height=\"797\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Wellsteps-participation-tracking.png\" alt=\"evaluations and reporting for companies and their programs\" class=\"wp-image-1293\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Wellsteps-participation-tracking.png 614w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Wellsteps-participation-tracking-231x300.png 231w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 614px) 100vw, 614px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Product_Cost_and_Value\"><\/span><strong>Product Cost and Value<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Is the cost of the product\/service competitive with the cost of other vendors? Is the pricing all-inclusive (no hidden costs)?<br>Do the results of the product\/service justify the price?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are even more ideas to help you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2016\/10\/04\/corporate-wellness-vendors\/\">choose the right wellness vendor.&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RELATED:  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/workplace-health\/\">How to Choose the Best Workplace Health Promotion Programs<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-design-elements-make-wellness-programs-effective\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_design_elements_make_wellness_programs_effective\"><\/span>What design elements make wellness programs effective?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Behavior change is the key to having a successful wellness program. And, the best worksite wellness programs keep the focus on the need to help employees adopt and maintain healthy behaviors. Behavior change is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK223918\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">key to reducing health risks<\/a>, reducing the prevalence of chronic disease, and reducing employee related expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is impossible to have good health unless you have healthy behaviors. Behavior change strategies for wellness programs come in varying intensities including, from lowest to highest: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>education<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>motivation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>tools<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>environment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>policy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>High intensity strategies take the most effort, time, and money, but they are also the most effective. Usually, it is best to include a mix of strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RELATED:  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/\">How to Design Wellness Programs That Are Successful<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-education-and-awareness\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Education_and_Awareness\"><\/span><strong>Education and Awareness<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Educational strategies in your wellness program design will help raise awareness, provide information, and create \u201cwater cooler\u201d buzz. These small things will help move employees toward behavior change and will help shift the culture in a healthy direction. For example, educational strategies include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Information in the company newsletter<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Email campaigns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Staff meeting presentations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Informational posters in the hallways or common areas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Information pieces in payroll envelopes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lunch and learn workshops<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Health screenings and assessments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It is possible that some of your employees are experienced in education or communications. Be sure to include them on the wellness committee so they can help design a successful communication plan.<strong> If your company uses a vendor, ensure that the vendor has access to communicate with all of your employees.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<p>[video_embed url=&#8221;https:\/\/youtu.be\/KT2YMWrNnYY&#8221;]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-motivation\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Motivation\"><\/span><strong>Motivation<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some employees will engage in your programs while others won\u2019t because they were either already engaged, or they have no interest in engaging. <strong>In fact, people generally exist on a continuum of readiness to change.<\/strong> It is important to remember that there is no way to motivate every employee every time. However, you can improve success by applying these principles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RELATED:  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/02\/11\/mindfulness-in-the-workplace\/\">10 Tips to Implement Mindfulness in the Workplace<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Time\"><\/span><strong>Time<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Combine two good things.<\/strong> For example, employees can bring a healthy lunch on a day when a speaker talks about healthy eating.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Add 10 minutes of activity.<\/strong> Schedule 10 minutes to walk to or from the cafeteria, or from the parking lot.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Consider time of day and duration of activity. <\/strong>Match the targeted audience with the time of day and duration of activity. Many people, if given a choice of any benefit, will choose more time with family. Therefore, before and after work are generally bad times.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Access\"><\/span><strong>Access<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Make it easy.<\/strong> Design your wellness program to be onsite to increase participation. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Make it convenient.<\/strong> Offer programs at breaks, lunch, or online.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Simplicity\"><\/span><strong>Simplicity<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Make the choice clear.<\/strong> How to participate should be easy to understand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Make the benefits obvious.<\/strong> Highlight relevant program benefits in marketing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cost\"><\/span><strong>Cost<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Free is best.<\/strong> Cost is a barrier: eliminate cost to increase participation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cost sharing fosters commitment.<\/strong> When the employee has a tangible (money) or intangible cost (giving up something to enroll), commitment to change increases.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Incentives.<\/strong> Encourage or maintain participation, and reinforce benefits to \u201cfence sitters.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Benefits. <\/strong>Health insurance rebates or contributions to Health Reimbursement Accounts are powerful incentives.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Money talks<\/strong>. Worksites that have used cash or rebates as incentives have had impressive participation rates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Time off. <\/strong>Even a half-day off can be a powerful incentive. For some people, time is a more powerful incentive than money.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Achievement awards.<\/strong> Recognition helps to reinforce program benefits. A quality certificate displayed in a public area is also a form of marketing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Public recognition.<\/strong> Public praise feels good to participants who have achieved goals, and creates a vicarious incentive for future participants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Merchandise. <\/strong>The possibilities are endless. The merchandise should be selected based on demographic characteristics of the employee population. This incentive can be awarded using a lottery style drawing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Food.<\/strong> Include healthy food to kick-off, revitalize, or wrap up a wellness campaign.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Entertainment<\/strong>. Events can help jump-start, re-energize or wrap up a program. Entertainment is generally a morale booster.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"395\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/reasons-for-employee-wellness.jpg\" alt=\"encourage group participation and activities with movement\" class=\"wp-image-2885\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/reasons-for-employee-wellness.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/reasons-for-employee-wellness-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/reasons-for-employee-wellness-342x225.jpg 342w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Support\"><\/span><strong>Support<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Buddy systems.<\/strong> Supportive social groups can be the backbone for a successful wellness program because each individual is committed to another person or team, and group programs are more fun for most people.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Team competition.<\/strong> When \u201cbeating the LA office\u201d is added to the reason why an employee should engage, both participation and commitment increase.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Coaching. <\/strong>Using trained health coaches is more expensive but can help employees keep change commitments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Timing.<\/strong> Extra support is needed through the first 6 weeks of any behavior change process. Periodic support is needed during the first 6 months.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Goals\"><\/span><strong>Goals<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Setting goals leads to greater participation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whether it is a team goal of \u201cwalking\u201d to New York City by New Years, or an individual goal to walk 100 miles, goals increase the likelihood that people will stick with a program.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tools\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tools\"><\/span><strong>Tools<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In short, tools are items or skills your employees need if they are going to be successful at changing behaviors. A baby stroller is a great example of a tool. It allows parents with young children to still walk or jog. Learning to stir fry vegetables is a skill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learning how to dress for outdoor exercise is a skill, while comfortable walking shoes are tools. A nicotine patch is a tool. You get the idea. <strong>Your employees are going to need new skills and tools if they are going to experience long-term changes in behavior.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RELATED:  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/18\/wellness-challenge-ideas\/\">13 Fun Workplace Wellness Challenge Ideas Your Employees Will Enjoy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-environment-and-policy\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Environment_and_Policy\"><\/span><strong>Environment and Policy<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Employees spend more waking hours at work than anywhere else. So it makes sense that changing the environment or culture of an organization would support the individual behavior change process. Policies promote widespread behavior change because they change the \u201crules.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Policies in the work environment not only influence individual behavior at work, but can also lead to changes outside of work. <strong>In many cases, policy changes make it easier to make healthy choices and should be included as you design a wellness program. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An example would be serving bagels and fruit instead of pastries at company events. Some other examples include healthy food guidelines for company events, no smoking on company property, and company cost-sharing for health club memberships. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/ws-checklist-to-change\"><strong>Checklist to Change <\/strong><\/a>is a short survey you can take to help you see what things your worksite is doing to help or hamper healthy behaviors. It shows you what environmental and policy strategies you may not have thought of. It\u2019s an extremely helpful tool to help you make your worksite one that supports healthy living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RELATED:  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/environmental-wellness-2\/\">7 Reasons Every Worksite Should Offer An Environmental Wellness Program<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-key-principles-guide-successful-wellness-program-design\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_key_principles_guide_successful_wellness_program_design\"><\/span>What key principles guide successful wellness program design?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Use the information in this section to laser focus your strategies and design a successful wellness program. Consider addressing some of the simple changes first to generate change momentum. As your program matures, you can always tackle some of the more difficult issues.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if you&#8217;d like assistance in putting together your wellness program, please contact us. You can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/demosignup\"><strong>enjoy a free demo with our team<\/strong><\/a> and discover the next steps that will work best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RELATED<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2026\/02\/04\/wellness-programs-that-deliver-resul-combining-software-and-guided-support\/\">Wellness Program Vendors That Deliver Results: The Advantage of Combining Software and Guided Support<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1766764098960\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><em>What should be included when designing wellness programs?<\/em><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">An\u00a0employee wellness\u00a0program includes activities designed to support better employee health. For example, these activities often include:<br\/>medical screenings<br\/>incentives for healthy behaviors<br\/>behavior change interventions<br\/>health coaching<br\/>fitness<br\/>nutrition<br\/>weight loss programs<br\/>social support<br\/>gamified wellness challenges and much more<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1766764116789\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><em>How do you write a wellness program proposal?<\/em><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Include input you&#8217;ve gathered from the entire wellness committee before sending your proposal to management. Once you&#8217;ve laid out what your program is going to include, be sure to give an expected schedule and explain how you will record the data for each employee who participates.<br\/>In general, explain how the wellness program would benefit employees as well as the company. Include specific objectives that you hope to achieve and your plan for doing so, such as fewer sick days or higher employee satisfaction.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1766764133086\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><em>How do companies keep engagement high when designing wellness programs for diverse employee groups?<\/em><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">When companies design wellness programs for mixed shifts, remote workers, and onsite teams, engagement stays higher when employees can personalize their experience. Offering flexible challenges through tools like WellSteps Custom Challenges helps ensure employees choose habits that fit their schedule and lifestyle. Personalization is one of the biggest contributors to long-term success.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1766764160429\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><em>What makes wellness programs sustainable once the design phase is over?<\/em><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Sustainability comes from making wellness simple with consistent communication, easy tracking, and meaningful incentives. When organizations design wellness programs with built-in nudges (like reminders from tools such as My Tracker) and small rewards, participation doesn\u2019t drop off after the kickoff.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1766764177244\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><em>How can companies design wellness programs that support both onsite and remote employees?<\/em><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The best approach is to design wellness programs that blend digital and in-person elements. Remote employees often need structured reminders, virtual activities, and app-based tracking, while onsite teams may benefit from visibility, signage, and group challenges. A single platform that supports both environments keeps everything unified.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Successful employee wellness programs are good for business. Here is everything you need to design wellness programs that are successful.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1624,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[81,254,580,12,9,522,19],"tags":[1631,1675,1901,1672,1673,86,1674,871],"class_list":["post-3093","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-corporate-wellness-companies","category-corporate-wellness-ideas","category-corporate-wellness-programs","category-employee-wellness","category-incentives","category-wellness-programs","category-workplace-wellness","tag-company-wellness-programs","tag-corporate-wellness-plans","tag-design-wellness-programs","tag-employee-health-and-wellness","tag-employee-wellbeing-programs","tag-employee-wellness-programs","tag-wellness-programs-for-employees","tag-workplace-wellness-programs"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Design Wellness Programs That Are Successful<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Successful employee wellness programs are good for business. Here is everything you need to design wellness programs that are successful.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Design Wellness Programs That Are Successful\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Successful employee wellness programs are good for business. Here is everything you need to design wellness programs that are successful.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/WellSteps\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-01-03T00:19:49+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-14T19:29:22+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/resell-wellness.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1030\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"687\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Dr. Steve Aldana\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@wellsteps\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@wellsteps\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Dr. Steve Aldana\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"15 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/design-wellness-programs-successful\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/design-wellness-programs-successful\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Dr. Steve Aldana\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/5a665881fbbbd2658e8b0fab9a2f701e\"},\"headline\":\"How to Design Wellness Programs That Are Successful\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-01-03T00:19:49+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-14T19:29:22+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/design-wellness-programs-successful\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":3212,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/design-wellness-programs-successful\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2017\\\/01\\\/resell-wellness.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"company wellness programs\",\"corporate wellness plans\",\"design wellness programs\",\"employee health and wellness\",\"employee wellbeing programs\",\"employee wellness programs\",\"wellness programs for employees\",\"workplace wellness programs\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Corporate Wellness Companies\",\"corporate wellness ideas\",\"corporate wellness programs\",\"employee wellness\",\"incentives\",\"Wellness programs\",\"workplace wellness\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/design-wellness-programs-successful\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/design-wellness-programs-successful\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/design-wellness-programs-successful\\\/\",\"name\":\"How to Design Wellness Programs That Are Successful\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/design-wellness-programs-successful\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/design-wellness-programs-successful\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2017\\\/01\\\/resell-wellness.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-01-03T00:19:49+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-14T19:29:22+00:00\",\"description\":\"Successful employee wellness programs are good for business. 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For example, these activities often include:<br\/>medical screenings<br\/>incentives for healthy behaviors<br\/>behavior change interventions<br\/>health coaching<br\/>fitness<br\/>nutrition<br\/>weight loss programs<br\/>social support<br\/>gamified wellness challenges and much more","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#faq-question-1766764116789","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#faq-question-1766764116789","name":"How do you write a wellness program proposal?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Include input you've gathered from the entire wellness committee before sending your proposal to management. Once you've laid out what your program is going to include, be sure to give an expected schedule and explain how you will record the data for each employee who participates.<br\/>In general, explain how the wellness program would benefit employees as well as the company. Include specific objectives that you hope to achieve and your plan for doing so, such as fewer sick days or higher employee satisfaction.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#faq-question-1766764133086","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#faq-question-1766764133086","name":"How do companies keep engagement high when designing wellness programs for diverse employee groups?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"When companies design wellness programs for mixed shifts, remote workers, and onsite teams, engagement stays higher when employees can personalize their experience. Offering flexible challenges through tools like WellSteps Custom Challenges helps ensure employees choose habits that fit their schedule and lifestyle. Personalization is one of the biggest contributors to long-term success.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#faq-question-1766764160429","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#faq-question-1766764160429","name":"What makes wellness programs sustainable once the design phase is over?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Sustainability comes from making wellness simple with consistent communication, easy tracking, and meaningful incentives. When organizations design wellness programs with built-in nudges (like reminders from tools such as My Tracker) and small rewards, participation doesn\u2019t drop off after the kickoff.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#faq-question-1766764177244","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/#faq-question-1766764177244","name":"How can companies design wellness programs that support both onsite and remote employees?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The best approach is to design wellness programs that blend digital and in-person elements. Remote employees often need structured reminders, virtual activities, and app-based tracking, while onsite teams may benefit from visibility, signage, and group challenges. 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