Incentives
Incentives are strong motivators to encourage participation in the Employee Worksite Challenges. There are a wide range of incentives you can provide to employees for their participation in the challenges. Here are some possible strategies for distributing incentives:
- Incentives can be given to all employees who are eligible.
- Random drawings can be conducted among the eligible employees.
- Free or low cost incentives can be given to all employees who participate and then hold random drawings among eligible employees for more expensive incentives.
- Do not underestimate the power of recognition. A letter of support or recognition from the CEO may go a long way as an incentive.
Free or Low-cost Incentives
- Recognition on bulletin board or in the company newsletter
- Silly awards, such as the Stinky Golden Shoe Award or Anti-Couch Potato Award for the person with the most points or greatest improvement. You can spray paint an old sneaker and a potato for the awards.
- Casual-dress day
- Car wash where upper management does the washing
- Special recognition parking (i.e. Moving in May Winner)
- Extension of lunch hour, increasing a break time or 15 minute walk break
- Permission to come in late or leave early
- Full or half-day vacation time
- Coffee, snack bar or lunch certificates
- Lunch with the CEO
- Walking socks (cost $5.50, see insert for ordering)
- Water bottles, Frisbees, jump ropes, sunscreen, tiny walking radio, pens, mugs, cups, hats, t-shirt, company logo items, inexpensive step-counter or pedometer
- Low fat cook book
- Recognition plaque or certificate
Higher priced incentives
- Physical activity coupons (i.e. miniature golf coupons, bowling passes, pool passes, or golf, tennis, or dance lessons)
- Sporting event tickets (especially if company has season tickets)
- Water/Theme park tickets
- Health club membership or free month pass
- Grocery or athletic store certificates
- Cash
- Massage, facial or manicure
- Vacation packages
- Athletic bags or equipment (i.e. hand weights, body bars, yoga balls, fitness tapes)
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