SHRM’s Strategic Benefits Series collected comprehensive information on wellness initiatives, including use, return on investment and cost savings, as well as the use of incentives and rewards.

This research found that about three-quarters (76%) of respondents indicated their organization offered some type of a wellness program, resource or service to employees. Among these respondents, about one-half reported that employee participation increased last year compared with the year before; the same was true in 2013 and 2012 (56% and 54%, respectively), indicating a pattern of increased use of wellness initiatives over time. More than two-thirds of respondents from organizations that offered wellness initiatives indicated these initiatives were “somewhat effective” or “very effective” in reducing the costs of health care in 2014 (72%), 2013 (71%) and 2012 (68%).