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Effective employee engagement is a key component of any well run workplace wellness program. Among the aspects we've previously noted:

• That human psychology can help. B.F. Skinner’s positive reinforcement theory concluded that when good behavior is followed by positive reinforcement, such as a reward, that good human behavior is reinforced and highly likely to repeat in the future. One way to reinforce engagement in the workplace wellness program is through financial rewards.
• How health coaches can help increase employee engagement in workplace wellness programs. One adviser told Employee Benefits News: “For the older members of the workforce, one-on-one coaching could have a huge advantage.” The post continues: “While not every wellness program offers coaching, the majority of the programs offered by [the firm] have a personal coaching element. ‘They are effective in being able to track and follow up with older workers and report improvements in health claims and improved health conditions.’”
• To drive engagement, workplace wellness continues even at home.

A study in the American Journal of Men's Health reviews “Engaging Men in Chronic Disease Prevention and Management Programs.

The study notes that “Chronic disease has become one of the largest health burdens facing the developed world. Men are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with chronic disease than women. Although lifestyle interventions have been shown to reduce the risk of chronic disease in participants, men are often underrepresented in such programs.”

The study's purpose: “To explore the individual-level and program-specific factors that affect male participation rates in chronic disease prevention and management (CDPM) programs.”

Results: “Program-specific factors that attracted men to participate in interventions included a group component with like-minded men, the use of humor in the delivery of health information, the inclusion of both nutrition and physical activity components, and the presence of some manner of competition. A past negative health event, personal concern for health status, and motivation to improve physical appearance were cited by men as facilitators to CDPM program participation.”

Of course, the researchers note that “Gaps in the research are identified, and results of this study can be used to inform the development of CDPM programs that will improve the engagement and participation of men.”