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Companies with workplace wellness programs frequently seek new ways to increase employee engagement. A new survey from the National Business Group on Health reveals what might be working.

The survey indicates that the two most popular types of workplace wellness programs are “physical well-being programs (95 percent) and emotional health programs (87 percent)… The most popular physical well-being programs continue to be smoking cessation (91percent), physical activities/challenges (86 percent) and weight management (79 percent).”

One area of impact is incentives. The survey indicates that “employee incentives continue to be a critical part of corporate well-being programs.”

• “Nearly three-quarters of employers (74 percent) include employee incentives”
• “Average employee incentive amount [has increased ] to $742, up from $651 in 2016 and $521 in 2013”
• “Employers are also increasing incentives for spouses and domestic partners”
• “Average annual spouse/domestic partner incentive [is] $694, a 47 percent increase over the 2016 average of $471”

Two other areas of growth in workplace wellness programs include finding tangible ways for employees to move more frequently, as well as providing “healthier cafeteria options.”

• “55 percent of companies offer a “sit-to-stand” ergonomic desk or treadmill workstation, an increase from 43 percent last year”
• “Employers also recognize the impact of fitness wearables on employee health – 30 percent will offer subsidies or discounts in 2017”
• “Companies are also focusing on healthy on-site food options for their workforce – 48 percent have policies regarding healthy food options in their cafeteria, vending machines and catering”
• “In addition, 28 percent of organizations offer discounts or price differentials on healthy food options in the cafeteria”