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Workforce reports on the experience of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, which found that “employees’ interests and needs are as diverse as the employees themselves.”

The piece states: “About half of the Newark, New Jersey-based company’s 5,000 employees are members of minority groups — African-Americans, Asians and Hispanics — with unique cultural backgrounds.”

“To develop a wellness program that works, ‘We realized one size is not going to fit all, especially given the diverse nature of our employees,' said Cynthia Tobia, director of compensation, benefits and wellness.”

What did the company do?

When it rolled out its wellness program in 2007, “the focus was on increasing employee awareness and education on wellness issues with an emphasis on biometric measures.”

“The program was relaunched in 2011 and emphasized three pillars: increasing employees’ activity, providing better nutritional choices and improving their financial well-being. Taking part in certain activities — from walking to taking financial classes to getting a mammogram — can earn employees points through Virgin Pulse.”

“The program began by trying to boost activity levels by handing out pedometers and encouraging employees to regularly walk 7,000 steps. They also can earn points for taking part in other physical activities, such as tennis or bicycling.”