While many individuals are motivated to take care of themselves and their health, most don’t! Over 60% of American’s are overweight or obese and 19% still smoke. Employees’ lack of interest in and motivation to change is the most significant stumbling blocks in worksite wellness. In fact according to Aon Hewitt, the number one priority for employee health benefits managers is motivating and helping sustain workers’ positive health behaviors.
As companies struggle with low levels of employee engagement and results, many HR and wellness managers are asking what does it take to change behavior? Here are six tips to help motivate your employees:
1. Create a Positive Environment
Forcing employees to complete HRAs or screenings will not lead to changing lifestyle habits. Many programs have good intentions but are seen as overly coercive by employees. Punishing workers in poor health creates an environment of shame and punishment - the precise opposite of wellness.
2. Go Social
Social networks can be a valuable tool. A MIT study showed that participants in online health communities are 166% more likely to change behavior when they receive reinforcement from multiple online health buddies. The Go! TotalWellness Portal allows employees to be online friends, join challenges and discussion groups.
3. Help Them Achieve Their Health Goals
Everyone has their own unique definition of being healthy - from yoga in the park to training for a marathon. Encourage employees to set specific goals that embodies their personal motivation. For example, "I want to quit smoking in order to be able to play basketball with my son this summer." Also, give them a way to track their health gains - like pedometers or food journals.
4. Identify Specific Action to Take
Your employees aren’t unhealthy because they don’t have facts. Information is important, but you need to give it in an applicable form. For example, milk is the leading source of saturated fat in the American diet. But is it enough to tell people that fact? No. Instead, give people a specific plan: ‘‘Next time you reach for milk at the grocery store, get 1% instead of whole." Let your employees experience success by taking small steps.
5. Provide Multiple Incentive Options
People like to make their own decisions, so allow employees to choose between multiple incentives. Some incentives might be a fruit of the month club subscription, gift cards to healthy restaurants, gym memberships or a dry-fit t-shirt.
6. Create Supportive Policies
Have some fun at work. Encourage colleague interaction - for example, allow 30 minutes of break time for walks or tai chi in the conference room. Also, think about allowing standing desks or stability balls in the office.
How about you? Have you had success creating lasting behavior change in your employees? Please share your tips in the comments section. 
