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Title:* *A REVIEW OF THE U.S. WORKPLACE WELLNESS MARKET * *Date: Nov. 27, 2012

*Source: *RAND Author: Soeren Mattke, Christopher Schnyer, Kristin R. Van Busum (thanks to Stuart Basefsky) Summary: This paper describes the current state of workplace wellness programs in the United States, including typical program components; assesses current uptake among U.S. employers; reviews the evidence for program impact; and evaluates the current use and the impact of incentives to promote employee engagement. Wellness programs have become very common, as 92 percent of employers with 200 or more employees reported offering them in 2009. Survey data indicate that the most frequently targeted behaviors are exercise (addressed by 63 percent of employers with programs), smoking (60 percent), and weight loss (53 percent). In spite of widespread availability, the actual participation of employees in such programs remains limited. A 2010 survey suggests that typically less than 20 percent of eligible employees participate in wellness interventions. Link: http://bit.ly/VAy7ZN