Forty-three percent of Americans cited achieving better overallhealth as the primary reason to participate in a wellness program, according to the latest Principal FinancialWell-Being Index. Reducing personal health care costs was the topinfluences for 33 percent of respondents while 31 percent ofrespondents said it was to lead a longer and healthier life.

The index, which surveyed American workers at growing businesseswith 10-1,000 workers, also found 53 percent of workers useweight management programs offered by their employers, a 25percent increase over 2010. Additionally, 68 percent of respondentsuse personalized action plans for high-risk conditions, a 21percent jump, and 84 percent use blood sugar screening, up 18percent.

"This dramatic increase in workers taking advantage of thesewellness benefits is indicative of Americans' greater sense ofpersonal responsibility towards their own health," says Lee Dukes,president of Principal Wellness Company, a subsidiary of thePrincipal Financial Group. "With health care costs on the rise andincreasing public awareness of illnesses like diabetes and heartdisease, Americans are ready to take action. Workplace wellnessgives employees a convenient, simple way to get started."

Though employee participation is driven by a sense of personalresponsibility, 43 percent of respondents said wellness benefitsmotivate them to work harder and perform better. In fact, 28percent of respondents believe their participation has caused themto miss fewer days of work, and 38 percent of workers creditedwellness programs to improved energy and productivity at work.

"Employers who invest in their workers' wellness will seereturns beyond a physically healthier employee," says AmyFriedrich, vice president of specialty benefits for The Principal."By offering workers the means and the educational tools to takecontrol of their wellness, you promote a healthier, more productivework environment."