According to this article, one-third of U.S companies are starting to offer financial incentives to their employees to lose weight or to get healthier in general.  One company, OhioHealth, even paid employees for walking.  IBM pay their emplyees $150 for completing a 12-week Web-based health program.

My job started a Wellness Program a year ago but they’re cheap. We don’t get anything for participating (except hopefully better health). We do have annual health screenings at work though.  There’s nothing better than hearing you need to lose 20-30 pounds from yet another person every year. 

My company newsletter recently mentioned that we could receive discounts on our health insurance premiums in 2011 if we get our blood pressure to 120/80 or less (check, woot), our total cholesterol to 200 mg/dl or less (check, woot), and if we don’t use tobacco in any form (super check, woot).

BUT, this actually really sucks since I get free health insurance, so a discount implies that our insurance won’t be free anymore…unless this is only in regards to the optional upgraded plan. I doubt that I’ll be that lucky.

Anyway, how much would the discount need to be to entice me to work on it? In my case, I fit the criteria listed already. If I didn’t, I’d probably want a savings of at least $10 a paycheck to get motivated.  However, what I really want is a gym on site like my company has at their other locations.  I like the treadmill but have absolutely zero motivation once I leave work.  If we can’t have a gym, an early morning walking group would be nice.  We already have a 5pm one, but who wants to walk at 5pm in Houston, TX?!  That’s just silly…

Does your company offer incentives for healthiness?  What would motivate you?