In an effort to help employers improve the health of their employees and dependents, the Midwest Business Group on Health is introducing a series of recommendations that are aimed to encourage better design structure, communication and delivery of benefits, wellness incentives and health management activities.

The recommendations are based on evidence provided by the five-year research project, Identifying the Triggers and Barriers to Engaging Employees in their Health Benefits and Wellness Programs, which addresses both employer and employee perspectives on health care and health benefits.

"Employers have invested substantial resources to improve the health of their workforce by offering health benefits, workplace health programs and external health management resources," ays Larry Boress, MBGH president and CEO. "Unfortunately, in spite of these investments, many employers experience low program participation and disappointing levels of employee understanding and engagement. We're working with employers to combat these problems and explore alternative approaches to benefit design and health improvement programs with the intent to motivate employees to be more responsible for their health."