Employee Attitudes and Wellness Programs

I was happy to read in the New York Times the other day that senators Max Baucus and Tom Harkin were working to create incentives for companies that develop employee wellness programs. Under their plan, employers would receive tax credits for helping their workers get healthier.

The reaction to the article in the comments section, however, was something different. The majority of comments were skeptical, and many argued that employers had no business concerning themselves with workers' personal health. (The nay-sayers might ponder a recent study highlighted by HealthFinder.gov, which showed that workers with type 2 diabetes lost 11 to 15 percent of work time due to health problems. Ignoring the problem just isn't an option.)

The message to wellness professionals should be clear: It's essential to set the right tone. No one wants to be lectured or chided for bad behavior. But if you emphasize voluntary participation and develop fun, team-building activities, negative attitudes can be overcome. I've seen it first-hand.

So what do you think? I'd love to hear your views.