A key factor was shifting the perspective of the program features from wellness to well-being. Among the findings:

Wellness programs are shifting to focus on a more holistic definition of well-being. More than 78 percent of employers say they're expanding their well-being programs into areas like financial wellness and mental health.
Stress is a top participation driver. More than 80 percent of employees say they participate in workplace well-being programs to reduce their stress levels.
Workplace well-being programs positively impact company culture. More than 80 percent of employees feel positive about their work culture thanks to well-being programs.
Employers are shifting how they position wellness incentives to be more positive than negative. More employers (72 percent) are positioning their well-being programs as rewards instead of punishments.
Employers are looking to broaden communications channels, types, and frequency. Many organizations will increase the frequency of their communications (41.7 percent), new communications channels (35.3 percent) and test out new communications types and styles (32.5 percent) in an effort to increase employee participation in employee well-being programs.

"There's a much needed shift taking place in the industry," said Virgin Pulse CEO Chris Boyce. "Gone are the days of focusing on physical health alone. Today, workplace wellness programs are broadening their scope and focusing on the whole person, which helps to replenish what modern life depletes. By taking care of employees' overall well-being, employers are creating great places to work filled with healthier, more productive employees. As a result, people have more physical energy, mental focus, and emotional drive to do what matters most and they love coming to work because they feel like their employers really care about them."

Instant Insights /

Employers rebranding, refocusing wellness programs

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