More and more employers are offering biometric screenings because it's an effective way of collecting valuable information about employees' current health status and risk areas. In 2011, 62% of large employers offered biometric screenings to employees. 

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.

Workplace wellness. What comes to mind when you hear those words? Weight loss challenges? Screenings? Health risks? A universally accepted definition does not really exist but most wellness programs target exercise, smoking and weight loss. What if we change traditional workplace wellness so it encompasses employee wellbeing and was seen as a natural extension of the company's identity?

It's been a rough couple of months for corporate wellness. First, there was the depressing 2013 RAND report on corporate wellness. Next the State of Nebraska had to defend their wellness program results. And, just last week faculty and staff at Penn State protested their new wellness program.

Let's face it. We all have an intense desire to fit in - whether at work, school or home - we never escape the power of peer pressure. While peer pressure is usually seen as a negative thing, people can also influence each other's behavior in healthy ways. 

Research shows that a strong communications strategy is key to a successful worksite flu vaccination program. Promoting the flu vaccine at every opportunity and explaining the benefits of vaccination can also help you increase participation. Yet each year, human resource professionals struggle to come up with creative flu shot communication and marketing materials. 

Stories are the way that humans make sense of the world. When your colleagues ask you about how you spent your weekend, you don’t start with facts and figures. You tell them stories.

Most employers offer some form of wellness benefits. From on-site health screenings to personal health coaching, employers are acknowledging the need for wellness. But many corporate wellness programs never reach their full potential.

Incentives for Nondiscriminatory Wellness Programs in Group Health Plans. Not exactly what you had in mind for some light summer reading, eh? You probably won’t be toting the 123 page Affordable Care Act (ACA) final wellness regulations document with you to the beach, but it’s still critical that workplace wellness programs understand the changes. You can read the full ruling here but we’ve summarized a few key things so you can still enjoy your summer.

How many times have you found your employees reacting in an irrational, fearful or overly emotional way to wellness or benefit announcements? This type of response happens to all of us from time to time, and much of it can be explained by looking at a small but important part of the brain: the Amygdala.