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U.S. News lists eight things that employers could do that would actually work to promote wellness – without alienating employees in the process:

1. Provide easy access to healthy meals and snacks. “People tend to eat those foods because they’re there, but many employees would be delighted to instead have a regular supply of fresh fruit or other healthy snacks.”

2. Make it easier for people to exercise. “Employers that really want to promote employee wellness could offer standing desks to anyone who wants one. Or they could install showers so employees who bike to work or exercise at lunch have a place to freshen up.”

3. Stop the weight-loss competitions. “This can be hugely problematic, since not everyone needs to lose weight. Plus, some employees may struggle with eating disorders and would be harmed by this kind of competition. And, of course, weight is a poor substitute for addressing health issues such as cholesterol, high blood pressure and overall nutrition.”

4. Offer great health insurance. “That’s the first place employers interested in wellness should look. Do their plans offer free or low-cost preventative care? Do the lower the barriers for doctor’s visits and medical attention? If not, the rest of their wellness efforts are unlikely to matter.”

5. Discourage people from coming to work sick. “Managers should be clear with employees that they should be at home taking care of themselves when they’re sick, not spreading germs to co-workers at work.”

6. Stop requiring doctors' notes for sick employees. “This policy drives up health care costs by pushing people into medical offices when they just need rest and over-the-counter medicine, and it encourages people to come to work sick, since that’s often easier than getting a medical appointment on short notice.”

7. Provide reasonable amounts of paid sick time. “No company that wants employees to take wellness initiatives seriously can afford to not offer sick leave.”

8. Encourage people to actually use their vacation time. “Vacation time helps people de-stress and relax, and that’s a health measure employers have real control over.”