It’s the million-dollar question every organization wrestles with: How do we get our employees genuinely excited and involved in our wellness program? Whether you’re rolling out a program for the first time or you’re five years in, sparking and sustaining engagement can be challenging. Below, we’ve gathered practical ideas to help you at every stage of your wellness journey.
Kickstarting Engagement: The Beginning of Your Program
When you’re just kicking things off, it’s crucial that your employees not only know what the program is but why it matters. Your leadership team plays a major role here—building excitement and showcasing top-down support. Here are some strategies to help generate buzz from day one:
1) Start Your Meetings with Wellness
Encourage the leaders at your company to begin each meeting with a wellness tip or a quick insight about your program. This simple practice keeps health top of mind and underscores leadership’s commitment to your wellness program.
2) Host a Wellness Program Day
Dedicate a day to introduce (or reintroduce) the program. Set up a table with healthy snacks, devices or pens and paper for easy registration, and have a staff member ready to answer questions.
3) Provide Extra Incentives
Offer a tangible reward—like a free lunch, a gift card, or a prize drawing—to motivate employees to sign up. A little incentive can go a long way in driving initial participation.
4) Highlight Leadership Support
Have executives or managers speak about why the wellness program is important to them personally. Authentic endorsement from higher-ups can make employees more receptive to the program and increase employee engagement.
5) Mail Out Postcards
Send an eye-catching postcard to employees’ homes, inviting them to join and explaining program benefits. It’s a great way to cut through digital noise and reach families too.
6) Spread the “Why”
Emphasize why wellness matters—for instance, improved health, reduced stress, and better team morale are all positively affected when people participate in well-constructed wellness programs. When employees understand the bigger picture, they’re more likely to stay involved.
7) Promote Walking Meetings
Encourage teams to hold walking meetings when possible. It’s a fun and easy way to sneak in physical activity. In addition, walking meetings can build comraderie amongst a team by getting everyone moving together. Try it out!
8) Make Rewards Known
Clearly outline what rewards are available and how to earn them. Transparent goals and milestones make the program feel more tangible. Don’t forget to use rewards that can appeal to everyone!
9) Encourage Use of Support
Provide contact information or a dedicated help channel or group for employees who need assistance registering, syncing devices, or navigating the platform.
1st Quarter: Renewing Interest
By the end of the first quarter, your enthusiastic early adopters are already on board—but some employees may need extra encouragement. Keep your momentum going with these tactics:
1) Identify Wellness Champions and Superstars
Pinpoint highly engaged employees who dove into the program immediately and encourage them to partake in a short interview. Sending their inspiring stories via email or an internal message board is a great way to motivate other employees to be engaged too! You can also temporarily reassign these wellness champions to different departments or locations so they can rally their peers to be more engaged.
2) Remind Participants About Smartphone Tracking
Not everyone wants to buy a wearable device—and that’s okay. Most smartphones can measure many of the same metrics. By showing employees how to enable their phone’s built-in step tracker, you make your program more accessible to everyone.
3) Start a Walking Club
As the weather warms up, organize a walking club to build camaraderie and get everyone moving. It’s a social, fun, and healthy way to get extra steps for your step challenges during your lunch break.
4) Create an Activity Challenge
Spark friendly competition with group or individual activity challenges—like a step contest or a hydration challenge. Timed events often boost engagement and conversation amongst employees.
If you’re in search of something fun to do for your team, check out our blog on 7 Unique Step Challenge Ideas Our Clients Use to Engage Their Employees for exciting ideas to spruce up your next step challenge!

Halfway Through: Getting the Holdouts on Board
Around the program’s midpoint, some people might still be resistant to change or have fallen back into old habits. Here’s how you can bring them into the fold:
1) Reach Out to the Naysayers
Identify employees who haven’t engaged and connect them with a wellness champion. Sometimes, one-on-one encouragement can help them see the benefits of the wellness program and build healthy habits more easily.
2) Amplify Employee Testimonials
Keep sharing success stories via email, message boards, or your company’s employee experience platform. Hearing a co-worker’s real-life experience can be more compelling than any official announcement.
3) Use Activity Reports
Pull reports to spot users who haven’t synced their devices or recorded activity in a while. A targeted reminder or offer of assistance might be all they need to rejoin.
4) Reinforce Incentives
Remind everyone about the rewards they can earn and how to qualify. Sometimes, people lose interest if they forget the end goals and benefits.
5) Explain the Opportunity
Highlight any added benefits—such as free coaching, gym reimbursement, or online fitness classes. Emphasize the value employees gain from full participation.
6) Revisit the “Why”
Don’t forget to reiterate how your wellness program supports healthier lifestyles, reduces stress, and creates a more positive company culture. A meaningful purpose can reignite interest.
Throughout the Year: Sustaining Engagement
Wellness is a long-term commitment, and your program should remain visible all year. Here are some ongoing strategies:
1) Create a Company Newsletter
Whether monthly or quarterly, a dedicated wellness newsletter can share healthy recipes, success stories, quick fitness tips, or upcoming events.
2) Schedule Message Board Posts or Notifications
Automate reminders and motivational messages so health and fitness stay top-of-mind.
3) Hang Posters in Common Areas
Promote wellness resources, success stories, or upcoming challenges where employees naturally gather—like breakrooms, restrooms, or hallways.
4) Offer Healthier Food & Drink Choices
Keep nutritious snacks at eye level, place water bottles in front of soda, and highlight healthier meal options if you have a cafeteria. Feel free to send your employees our DIY a Healthy Lunch video to help them save some money and eat healthier at the same time!
5) Encourage Walk or Stretch Breaks
Allow short breaks for walking or stretching during the workday. Regular movement boosts productivity, reduces sedentary fatigue, and helps reinforce your wellness program.
6) Map a Walking Track
If possible, create a walking route around the office or nearby outdoor area. Post signs that show distances and give employees a tangible way to track steps.
Final Thoughts on How to Keep Employees Engaged in a Wellness Program
Engaging your employees in a wellness program isn’t a one-time event—it’s an ongoing journey that thrives on consistent communication, leadership support, and a mix of fun challenges and meaningful incentives. By emphasizing the benefits, telling real success stories, and making it easy for everyone to participate, you’ll foster a healthier, happier workforce that embraces wellness year-round.
Remember: Every small step counts toward big changes in employee health and company culture. Start strong, keep the momentum going, and watch your employees grow healthier—and more engaged—together.
Want to kickstart your wellness program this year? Contact our employee experience specialists today and ask how you can get started!