Deborah Merkin
Recent Posts
Mobile Wallet Follow-Up: A Demographic Breakdown
To follow up on last week's article on Google's announcement of their forthcoming mobile wallet app, we thought we would provide information on who is excited and confident in a virtual wallet system, and who still holds some reservations regarding the technology. 62% of all cell-phone users are willing to use mobile wallet as a payment system, when it becomes available this fall. 63% of 18-34 year olds are ready for virtual wallet availability, while a mere 37% of over 35 year olds feel confident in the system. Also, not surprisingly, 62% of people surveyed said they would need solid confirmation that their financial information was secure before they would feel comfortable using their cell phones for payment. Mobile wallet is coming, and enough consumers are ready to use the technology that it will definitely change payment and promotional strategies for major retail companies. Near Field Communication will allow for geographic based promotions, and the line between an online and offline customer is sure to be blurred. For more information on the
demographic break-down on mobile wallet confidence, click here.
Healthy Babies, Happy Moms: Family Wellness Incentives
In 2011, Cumberland County, NJ, grappled with an infant mortality rate of 8.9 per 1000 births, attributed to missed prenatal doctor's visits. To combat this, the county initiated the Baby Love program, incentivizing prenatal appointments with gift cards. This initiative aimed to ensure the health of both mothers and babies, especially in areas with limited access to proper prenatal care.
Fast forward to 2024, the program has evolved, integrating innovative strategies and partnerships. With updated statistics showcasing the program's impact, insights into its effectiveness have emerged. New initiatives, such as universal newborn home visiting programs, complement Baby Love, fostering comprehensive maternal and child health.
Parallel to corporate wellness trends, where incentives drive healthy behaviors, Baby Love aligns with health and wellness initiatives like office weight loss programs. The CVS/Pharmacy Select Card, designed for health and wellness, exemplifies the synergy between corporate and community health efforts.
Workplace wellness programs play a crucial role in fostering a culture of health-consciousness and proactive healthcare engagement among employees. By promoting healthy behaviors and providing incentives for participation, these programs not only improve physical well-being but also empower individuals to take charge of their health. This empowerment extends beyond the workplace, influencing employees to prioritize regular medical care, including prenatal checkups. By instilling a mindset of preventive healthcare, workplace wellness initiatives encourage individuals to seek timely medical attention, address potential health issues proactively, and adhere to recommended healthcare routines. In this way, the efforts of workplace wellness programs contribute to not only the overall health and well-being of employees but also to the broader community by promoting a proactive approach to healthcare utilization.
As communities embrace collaborative approaches to health, sharing experiences becomes pivotal. Have you participated in similar programs? Share your insights and experiences in the comments.
Get more information on Cumberland County's Baby Love program and its journey.
New Research Reveals Cards Drive Increased Spending, Visits and Willingness to Support Social Marketing
It isn’t new for us to hear that prepaid cards are great motivators and incentives. But a new loyalty and prepaid survey reveals just how much prepaid has affected consumer spending habits and long term adoption when used in the B2B space as incentives. Here, we outline some of the most interesting tidbits and pair them with our market observations and viewpoints. Let us know your thoughts via the comments field.
Three C's to Maximize your Gift Card Incentive Program
Selecting the right gift card for your incentive program is crucial to its success. It's not just about satisfying your employees; it's also about staying within budget. Here are the "three C's" to help you maximize your gift card incentive program:
Ramping Up Employee Engagement: Gamification in the Workplace
In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, gamification is gaining traction as a powerful tool to engage employees in incentive programs. Gamification leverages game-like elements—such as rewards, challenges, and competition—to motivate and reward employees for achieving goals, learning new skills, or engaging in health and wellness initiatives. According to recent data, gamification is expected to grow significantly, with the global market projected to reach $30.7 billion by 2025, driven by its effectiveness in improving employee performance, motivation, and engagement .
