Why Don’t Employees Participate in Well-being Programs? A Research-Informed Systems-Based Model

Abstract

Objective Employee nonparticipation in well-being programs is common, but not well understood. Development of a systems-based framework to characterize reasons for nonparticipation can inform efforts to enhance engagement. Methods Following literature review and building on previous research, a systems-based model was developed to contextualize participation barriers. Results Well-being program nonparticipation is more frequent among low-wage workers as well as minority subpopulations. Contributors include employer factors, such as inequitable benefits design, and employee factors, such as lack of perceived relevance, barriers to access, and lower prioritization of personal health needs. Conclusions A systems-based approach to evaluating well-being program nonparticipation can help identify factors contributing to employee nonparticipation and lead to targeted policy and practice changes that encourage greater employee engagement.