With Thursday’s launch of MHealthy Rewards, benefits-eligible faculty and staff have the opportunity to work on their health goals and earn up to $100 in the process.
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The 2017 program focuses on healthy activities and taking action. Employees who complete one Rewards-eligible activity can earn $50. Completing a second, different activity earns another $50.
Eligible activities offer something for everyone and include programs to help faculty and staff better manage health conditions, move more, eat smarter, manage weight, stress less, quit tobacco and drink less alcohol.
Jackie Earles says the reward is extra motivation for things she was already doing, like participating in MHealthy’s chair yoga class and exercising on a recumbent bike.
“It’s a great benefit to have a fitness center in our building where I can go to a chair yoga class or schedule time to exercise with my co-workers,” says Earles, an executive assistant in University Human Resources Strategy and Planning. “Afterward, I feel stronger and more energized.
“My main motivation is to maintain mobility, flexibility and stamina so I can keep up with my grandsons, but the $100 reward is a nice extra. It’s wonderful that the university wants to reward me for doing these things.”
Popular Rewards-eligible activities return in 2017, including Active U, Ready to Lose, MHealthy mental and emotional well-being classes, Weight Watchers, MHealthy Personal Training, Colorful Choices, and MHealthy Exercise & Relaxation Classes.
Other Rewards-eligible activities for 2017 include StayWell Self-Directed Coaching programs, including new programs for Sleep and Back Care.
Also new for 2017, eligible U-M Premier Care members can earn a Rewards incentive with the Diabetes Prevention Program. Through a collaboration with the Benefits Office and Blue Care Network, members can join a local program or participate online with no out-of-pocket cost.
One major change to Rewards for 2017 is that completing the online health questionnaire is not required. And while the questionnaire and personal report that it generates are still available for those who value it as a motivational tool, there is not a $50 incentive for completing it.
“This year, we’re focusing on healthy activities and taking action,” says LaVaughn Palma-Davis, senior director for health and well-being services.
“However, because the health questionnaire is a valuable resource that offers customized information about your health and risk areas, it is still available to help you determine your top health priorities, choosing which activities to participate in, or if you want to compare this year’s results with previous years.”
A complete list of Rewards-eligible activities and how to earn incentives can be found on the StayWell Portal.
