Start a Health and Wellness Program in 2025

Companies that prioritize employee well-being in 2025 are setting themselves apart by attracting and retaining top talent through innovative benefits like health and wellness programs. Offering a health and wellness program isn’t just a perk—it’s a strategic investment in your workforce that delivers measurable returns in productivity, employee satisfaction, and healthcare cost savings. With modern tools like the Engage2Reward™ Gift Card Ordering Platform, launching and maintaining an effective wellness initiative has never been easier.

Here are five compelling reasons to start or enhance your health and wellness program today:

1. Shape a Healthier, More Engaged Workforce

Employers can absolutely influence the health and well-being of their teams. According to recent data from the CDC, more than 40% of U.S. adults are obese, and chronic illnesses account for a staggering 90% of the nation’s $4.1 trillion in annual healthcare expenditures. The good news? Many of these conditions are preventable with education, lifestyle changes, and incentives.

Modern wellness programs combine personalized coaching, success tracking, and innovative rewards to drive participation. With tools like the Engage2Reward Platform, companies can provide tailored incentives such as health-focused gift cards, which encourage employees to make lasting, positive changes. Whether it’s a gift card for healthy meal options or fitness gear, these rewards can inspire employees to take charge of their health.

2. Set Clear Goals and Expect Tangible Results

Today’s wellness programs go beyond simple biometric screenings. They’re designed to address real challenges with solutions like:

• Health coaching
• Fitness challenges
• Nutrition education
• Tobacco cessation support
• Mental health resources

Companies are seeing the benefits firsthand. Improved participation leads to healthier employees, reduced absenteeism, and lower healthcare costs. Industry studies suggest that mature wellness programs deliver an average return on investment (ROI) of $6 for every $1 spent.

3. Overcome Participation Obstacles with Strategic Incentives

Employee participation is often the biggest hurdle for wellness programs. That’s where financial and non-financial incentives come into play. The Engage2Reward Platform makes it simple to reward employees with meaningful incentives that align with their goals, such as:

• Health savings account contributions
• Discounts on health insurance premiums
• Gift cards for fitness, healthy food, and wellness services

Filtered gift cards—like CVS Select^® gift cards—can even exclude unhealthy purchases like cigarettes and alcohol, reinforcing healthy behaviors. Additionally, fostering a sense of community through team-based challenges and gamified rewards can boost engagement.

4. Leverage Data to Measure and Improve Results

Tracking results is critical to demonstrating the ROI of your wellness program. Define clear goals from the outset, such as reducing absenteeism, lowering health insurance claims, or increasing employee satisfaction. Tools like the Engage2Reward Platform allow you to track participation and outcomes, providing actionable insights for continuous improvement.

Consider this case study: A large manufacturing company with around 950 employees nationwide reported the following results from 2008 through 2010:

• Participation Increases: 2008 : 78% / 2009: 78% / 2010: 83% - Spouses: 2009: 35% 2010: 49%
• Health Improvements: 7.4% decrease in employees with high cholesterol - 8.2% decrease in employees with high blood pressure - 9 Employees quit smoking
• Medical Cost Reductions: 2% reduction in year 1 of program. Year 2 – additional 2% reduction. Year 3 – increase in medical trend due to catastrophic cases.

5. Focus on Employee-Centered Program Design

The most successful wellness programs are designed with employees’ unique needs in mind. Demographic data, job roles, and regional considerations should inform your approach. For example, a warehouse worker in Texas might value a fitness tracker, while a remote software engineer in New York might prefer a subscription to a meditation app.

The Engage2Reward Platform makes personalization easy by offering a wide range of gift card options, from healthy dining to gym memberships, ensuring employees feel seen and supported.

The Engage2Reward Platform: Your Wellness Program Partner

Launching or upgrading a wellness program in 2025 doesn’t have to be complicated. With the Engage2Reward Platform, you can:

• Seamlessly distribute rewards to employees via mail, email, or text
• Offer customizable, health-focused incentives that resonate with your team

By investing in your employees’ well-being, you’re not just reducing healthcare costs—you’re building a happier, more productive workforce. Ready to get started? Visit Engage2Reward Gift Card Ordering Platform today to explore how our tools can transform your health and wellness initiatives.