Do wearable activity trackers improve employees' health and increase re-participation in wellness programs?. Issue 4 (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Gwanhoo; Lee, So-Hyun
• Is Part Of: Health policy and technology. Volume 10:Issue 4(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Workplace wellness programs -- Self-regulation theory (SRT) -- Activity tracking -- Technology -- Perceived health; Medical policy -- Periodicals; Medical technology -- Periodicals; Medical policy; Medical technology; Health Policy -- Periodicals; Biomedical Technology -- Periodicals; Technology Assessment, Biomedical -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 362.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.hlpt.2021.100582
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-8837

Abstract

Highlights: Understanding the role of activity tracking technology for workplace wellness programs. Examining organizational success factors for workplace wellness programs. Investigating field data obtained from an annual walking challenge program. Offering useful insights for designing and implementing workplace wellness programs. Abstract: Objective: Workplace wellness programs are being widely adopted by organizations. However, the potential benefits of the programs are not realized in part because few employees participate in the programs repeatedly. This study aims to examine how activity tracking technology, prize, and communication affect wellness program participants' perceived health and their willingness to re-participate in future programs. Methods: This study examines field data obtained from an annual walking challenge program implemented for seven years by a major U.S. university. It uses the partial least squares (PLS) method to test the hypotheses. Results: Activity tracking technology and prize opportunity have a significant positive effect on perceived health improvement. Perceived health improvement in turn has a significant positive effect on re-participation intention and word-of-mouth (WOM). Conclusion: As wearable activity tracking technology can increase employees' repeated participation in workplace wellness programs, it should be an integral component of such programs. Organizations should encourage, support, and incentivise employees' use of the technology.