Energy: the Key to Wellness Program Participation

February 02, 2012

As we work with employers around the country we’re struck by the disparity in program participation. You might expect budget would be the primary factor, but you would be wrong. The key ingredient appears to be energy — the kind of energy that’s generated when the wellness staff interacts face to face with participants.

One 200-person firm got over half their employees to sign up for a month-long holiday health incentive program by strolling through the building ringing bells, passing out candy canes, and promoting the program individually and in small groups. A 3200-person company got 13 participants in a similar program; they sent a flier to each work group. Another organization recruited over 6000 participants in NutriSum (a Health Enhancement Systems weight control program) by offering the user guide simply for weighing in, while a similar size group had fewer than 200 — again, using an impersonal email broadcast to advertise the campaign.

What to Do
If you’re not getting the participation level you’d like, take a few minutes to honestly evaluate the energy you’re investing in each initiative. Long hours and exhaustion aren’t the right indicators. Consider:

• Are you doing too much? Set priorities, and then channel your energy into the things that really matter and bring you nose to nose with participants.
• Are you using your resources to the greatest extent? Make a list of potential contributors and how they can help. Then discuss the list with your boss, a mentor, or other doers in the organization. Get their ideas on more resources and how you can use them. In short, leverage people energy as much or more than technology.
• Do you know your audience? People evolve and cultures change, especially in the wake of business slow-downs. What worked to attract and engage 2 years ago may be ineffective today. Take time with people on the front lines to get a true sense of your organization’s culture now.
• Are you avoiding risks? Nothing saps energy more than doing the same old thing week to week. Start taking some chances.
• Are you learning from success and failure? Wrap up each program with a "Here’s what we learned" summary. If participation was outstanding or no one showed up, find out why and use what you learn.
• Are you burned out? Take your own advice. Use the resources and practice the techniques you offer your clients.