Employers are increasingly turning to some type of incentive program to encourage healthy behavior by their employees–and penalizing them for nonparticipation, according to a study by Midwest Business Group on Health.

"Our national survey found that over 80 percent of responding employers are utilizing some form of incentives with 41 percent using or planning to use outcomes-based incentives to increase engagement and participation as well as motivate healthy behaviors in employer-sponsored programs," Larry Boress, Midwest Business Group president and CEO, said in a statement.

And when employees don't take part, they might see increased health care premiums and coverage plan limitations, the study found. More than 37 percent of employers polled said they now rely on penalties to promote wellness with employees.