Incentives and other factors associated with employee participation in health risk assessments.

OBJECTIVES Investigate factors associated with employee participation rates in health risk assessments. METHODS This cross-sectional study using multiple regression analyzed data from 124 employers with 882,275 eligible employees who completed 344,825 health and productivity assessments (HPAs). RESULTS Incentive value and Communications and Organizational Commitment Level (Com/Org Level) were the strongest predictors of HPA completion rates. Employer size and a Gateway Model were also significant predictors. In addition, a correlation of variables showed other important relationships. To achieve a 50% HPA completion rate, employers with a low Com/Org Level will need an incentive value of approximately $120 whereas employers with a high Com/Org Level only need approximately $40--a difference of $80 dollars. CONCLUSION This applied study offers empirical evidence to help employers increase their employees' participation in health risk assessments.