5 ways to drive healthy behavior change virtually
March 4, 2014 11:27 AM
1. Stretch reminders on computer screens
For office employees sitting at their desk all day, sedentary work can cramp muscles and staring at a computer screen too long can cause eye strain. Employers can remind employees to take stretch breaks by building reminders into the network, such as having a reminder pop-up on their computer. [Images: Shutterstock]
2. Apps inspire movement
On the app side, HotSeat challenges people to get out of their seats for small breaks. It includes competitions, feedback on how your small bouts of physical activity add up to meaningful amounts. UtiliFit is another app that is breaking into this space, says LuAnn Heinen, vice president and wellness leader, National Business Group on Health.
3. Healthy smart-receipts
Employers can encourage better nutrition and healthy food choices with smart receipts from the company cafeteria, says the National Business Group on Health vice president and wellness leader. When employees purchase food at the company café, the smart receipt shows the calorie and nutritional content of their food choices.
4. Virtual trainers
Many employees cant afford to hire a personal trainer, but technology like Anthems and online trainer FitOrbits virtual fitness and real-time, Internet-based coaching offers fitness training without breaking the banks. After selecting a trainer based on a short questionnaire, the employee electronically receives a customized fitness and nutrition plan and ongoing coaching the latter via the modern miracle of unlimited texting, plus a weekly personal exercise plan to support their goals.
5. Behavioral motivation online
StickK app and website asks individuals to put up their own money for a charity that they hate if they dont accomplish their wellness or other goal. The StickK website facilitates that transaction so that a gun control advocate, for example, would have to fork over cash to the National Rifle Association for failing to meet their goal. The platform also builds in an array of behavior principles (beyond giving away your money to a cause you oppose), among them social recognition and rewards, and feedback.
