We can all agree that when it comes to employee wellness, we all want long-term results, not just quick-fixes. Sometimes, though, we can get trapped in the "now" mindset where we focus on getting ourselves and our employees physically, mentally and financially fit ASAP. The problem: ultimately, old habits die hard and employees may end up right back where they started, which means little to no ROI on the program for you.
So how can you set yourself up to have effective, longterm employee wellness?
The key is to focus a program on turning one-off actions into regular habits. According to Psychology Today, it takes 66 days to form a habit. Whether that habit is hitting a daily ten thousand steps, running a mile, or eating more fruits and vegetables, it takes more than two months to stick.
To support your employees forming new habits, it’s critical to understand their motivation for participating in the first place, and then finding ways to motivate them along the way. If you want long-term success and ROI in healthcare costs and employee productivity, here are a few tips for creating a program that focuses on forming healthier habits:
As you build your employee incentive program, build out the tactics, but ensure they support the bigger picture. Remember: habits that will last will take at least 2 months to learn and stick to. In the end though, long-term ROI is more valuable than fleeting participation.
Want to learn more about gift card incentives? Take a closer look at what they can offer your program.