Leading employers know they need to create healthy cultures to attract and retain top talent, improve productivity, reduce health risks, and boost employee engagement. 

Countless research studies have shown that physical activity drives better health and longevity. In fact, exercise is the single best thing you can do for your brain in terms of mood, memory, and learning. So, as corporate wellness providers, we are constantly looking for ways to encourage employees to be more active.

Are you effectively marketing your worksite wellness program? Research shows the answer is probably no. Aon Hewitt’s 2012 Health Care Survey reports that only 17% of surveyed employers use consumer marketing techniques when promoting their wellness program.

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.