FAST TRACK ARTICLE Incentives and Other Factors Associated With Employee Participation in Health Risk

Objectives: Investigate factors associated with employee participation rates in health risk assessments. Methods: This cross-sectional study using multiple regression analyzed data from 124 employers with 882,275 eligible employees who completed 344,825 health and produc-tivity assessments (HPAs). Results: Incentive value and Communica-tions and Organizational Commitment Level (Com/Org Level) were the strongest predictors of HPA completion rates. Employer size and a Gateway Model were also significant predictors. In addition, a correla-tion of variables showed other important relationships. To achieve a 50 % HPA completion rate, employers with a low Com/Org Level will need an incentive value of approximately $120 whereas employers with a high Com/Org Level only need approximately $40—a difference of $80 dollars. Conclusion: This applied study offers empirical evidence to help employers increase their employees ’ participation in health risk assessments. (J Occup Environ Med. 2008;50:863–872