While research continues to underscore the corporate commitment to wellness programs, many employees still aren't sensing a strong connection between their employer and their personal health.
Welltok, creator of the CaféWell Health Optimization Platform, designed a survey to gather employee perceptions about how they were managing their health. They were asked what resources they turn to for health-related decision making advice and what they feel is standing between them and idealized health. The workplace did not fare well, at least for this survey group to which 1,100 people responded.
When asked who they depended upon for credible information about managing their health, Welltok found they listed themselves as the overwhelming No. 1 resource (77 percent), followed by friends and family (50 percent) and their doctors (32 percent). They really don't rely upon employers (10 percent) or carriers (8 percent) for regular input on how to manage their health.
Recommended For You
When asked what stands in their way of optimizing their health, the workplace topped the list. Here's how they ranked various factors:
- Work commitments: 47 percent
- Lack of motivation: 37 percent
- Cost associated with a health lifestyle: 37 percent
- Family responsibilities: 33 percent
- No personalized guidance: 17 percent
- Unrealistic goals for health: 11 percent
Finally, when asked what motivated them to do a better job of motivating their health, their top three were personal goals, financial rewards, and pleasing family and friends by glowing with good health. Their preferred financial rewards were cash via debit card from the workplace or insurer; reduced premiums; and gift cards.
Also read: 7 sins of wellness programs
© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.
Dan Cook
Dan Cook is a journalist and communications consultant based in Portland, OR. During his journalism career he has been a reporter and editor for a variety of media companies, including American Lawyer Media, BusinessWeek, Newhouse Newspapers, Knight-Ridder, Time Inc., and Reuters. He specializes in health care and insurance related coverage for BenefitsPRO.
