Illinois Workplace Wellness Study

Workplace wellness programs have become a $6 billion industry and are widely touted as a way to improve employee well-being, reduce health care costs by promoting prevention, and increase workplace productivity. Yet, there is little rigorous evidence available to support these claims, partly because the voluntary nature of these programs means that participants may differ from nonparticipants for reasons unrelated to the causal effects of the wellness program. The investigators will implement a randomized control trial to identify the effects of incentives on wellness program participation, produce causal estimates of the effect of wellness programs on health outcomes, determine what kinds of employees benefit from wellness programs the most, and test for the presence of peer effects in wellness participation.

Study Overview

• Status: Unknown
• Conditions: Employee Health and Well-being
• Intervention / Treatment: Behavioral: Workplace Wellness Program; Behavioral: Biometric Screening/HRA - No Compensation; Behavioral: Wellness Activities - Low Compensation; Behavioral: Wellness Activities - High Compensation; Behavioral: Biometric Screening/HRA - Moderate Compensation; Behavioral: Biometric Screening/HRA - High Compensation

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 4834
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• United States
  • Illinois
    • Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60605
      • University of Chicago

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 18 years and older (Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Genders Eligible for Study: All

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Benefits eligible employees at UIUC. Physically located on UIUC campus, not terminated, eligible for benefits.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Members of the research team, employees directly involved with the approval or implementation of the study, family members of the research team.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Prevention
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Single

Number of Arms

7

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
No Intervention: Control; The control group takes a baseline survey, and thereafter has minimal interaction with the project, until a follow-up biometric screening is conducted during the one-year follow-up.
Experimental: A25; Group A25 is offered no compensation for completing a biometric screening and HRA, and low compensation for each completed wellness course in the fall or spring of the study. Interventions: Workplace Wellness Program, Biometric Screening/HRA - No compensation, Wellness Activities - low compensation	Behavioral: Workplace Wellness Program; Treatment group members will then be offered the opportunity to participate in a biometric screening and health risk assessment (biometric screening + HRA), and -- conditional on completing an biometric screening + HRA -- up to two, semester-long wellness programs. Treatment group members will be offered varying levels of cash reward for completing the biometric screening + HRA (none, moderate, high), and an additional cash reward for completing each wellness activity (low, high), for a total of 6 treatment cells. Follow-up surveys and biometric screenings will be administered one year later, among a subset of control and treatment group members.; Other Names: Biometric Screening; Health Risk Assessment; Wellness Course; Behavioral: Biometric Screening/HRA - No Compensation; The biometric test will measure: (1) anthropometrics such as height, weight, and waist circumference (to assess obesity and overweight status); (2) resting blood pressure (to assess hypertension); (3) blood glucose (to assess diabetes risk); and (4) total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol levels, total cholesterol ratio, and triglycerides (to assess risk of cardiovascular disease). The HRA is a survey designed to identify areas of health improvement, by asking a series of questions related to wellness, health status, nutrition, healthy activities, desire to improve health, preventative health measures. The HRA is also pre-populated with biometric information from the screening. Upon completion, participants are given customized feedback on areas of improvement. No compensation for completion.; Behavioral: Wellness Activities - Low Compensation; Courses are designed by the UI Wellness Center and include an Active Living class; self-paced online health challenges in physical activity, weight management, and healthy eating; a weight management class; a tobacco cessation hotline; a stress management class; a Tai Chi class; and a chronic disease management class. Low compensation for each class.
Experimental: A75; Group A75 is offered no compensation for completing a biometric screening and HRA, and high compensation for each completed wellness course in the fall or spring of the study. Interventions: Workplace Wellness Program, Biometric Screening/HRA - No compensation, Wellness Activities - high compensation	Behavioral: Workplace Wellness Program; Treatment group members will then be offered the opportunity to participate in a biometric screening and health risk assessment (biometric screening + HRA), and -- conditional on completing an biometric screening + HRA -- up to two, semester-long wellness programs. Treatment group members will be offered varying levels of cash reward for completing the biometric screening + HRA (none, moderate, high), and an additional cash reward for completing each wellness activity (low, high), for a total of 6 treatment cells. Follow-up surveys and biometric screenings will be administered one year later, among a subset of control and treatment group members.; Other Names: Biometric Screening; Health Risk Assessment; Wellness Course; Behavioral: Biometric Screening/HRA - No Compensation; The biometric test will measure: (1) anthropometrics such as height, weight, and waist circumference (to assess obesity and overweight status); (2) resting blood pressure (to assess hypertension); (3) blood glucose (to assess diabetes risk); and (4) total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol levels, total cholesterol ratio, and triglycerides (to assess risk of cardiovascular disease). The HRA is a survey designed to identify areas of health improvement, by asking a series of questions related to wellness, health status, nutrition, healthy activities, desire to improve health, preventative health measures. The HRA is also pre-populated with biometric information from the screening. Upon completion, participants are given customized feedback on areas of improvement. No compensation for completion.; Behavioral: Wellness Activities - High Compensation; Courses are designed by the UI Wellness Center and include an Active Living class; self-paced online health challenges in physical activity, weight management, and healthy eating; a weight management class; a tobacco cessation hotline; a stress management class; a Tai Chi class; and a chronic disease management class. High compensation for each class.
Experimental: B25; Group B25 is offered moderate compensation for completing a biometric screening and HRA, and low compensation for each completed wellness course in the fall or spring of the study. Interventions: Workplace Wellness Program, Biometric Screening/HRA - moderate compensation, Wellness Activities - high compensation	Behavioral: Workplace Wellness Program; Treatment group members will then be offered the opportunity to participate in a biometric screening and health risk assessment (biometric screening + HRA), and -- conditional on completing an biometric screening + HRA -- up to two, semester-long wellness programs. Treatment group members will be offered varying levels of cash reward for completing the biometric screening + HRA (none, moderate, high), and an additional cash reward for completing each wellness activity (low, high), for a total of 6 treatment cells. Follow-up surveys and biometric screenings will be administered one year later, among a subset of control and treatment group members.; Other Names: Biometric Screening; Health Risk Assessment; Wellness Course; Behavioral: Wellness Activities - Low Compensation; Courses are designed by the UI Wellness Center and include an Active Living class; self-paced online health challenges in physical activity, weight management, and healthy eating; a weight management class; a tobacco cessation hotline; a stress management class; a Tai Chi class; and a chronic disease management class. Low compensation for each class.; Behavioral: Biometric Screening/HRA - Moderate Compensation; The biometric test will measure: (1) anthropometrics such as height, weight, & waist circumference (to assess obesity and overweight status); (2) resting blood pressure (to assess hypertension); (3) blood glucose (to assess diabetes risk); & (4) total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol levels, total cholesterol ratio, and triglycerides (to assess risk of cardiovascular disease). The HRA is a survey designed to identify areas of health improvement, by asking a series of questions related to wellness, health status, nutrition, healthy activities, desire to improve health, preventative health measures. The HRA is also pre-populated with biometric information from the screening. Upon completion, participants are given customized feedback on areas of improvement. Moderate compensation for completion.
Experimental: B75; Group B75 is offered moderate compensation for completing a biometric screening and HRA, and high compensation for each completed wellness course in the fall or spring of the study. Interventions: Workplace Wellness Program, Biometric Screening/HRA - moderate compensation, Wellness Activities - high compensation	Behavioral: Workplace Wellness Program; Treatment group members will then be offered the opportunity to participate in a biometric screening and health risk assessment (biometric screening + HRA), and -- conditional on completing an biometric screening + HRA -- up to two, semester-long wellness programs. Treatment group members will be offered varying levels of cash reward for completing the biometric screening + HRA (none, moderate, high), and an additional cash reward for completing each wellness activity (low, high), for a total of 6 treatment cells. Follow-up surveys and biometric screenings will be administered one year later, among a subset of control and treatment group members.; Other Names: Biometric Screening; Health Risk Assessment; Wellness Course; Behavioral: Wellness Activities - High Compensation; Courses are designed by the UI Wellness Center and include an Active Living class; self-paced online health challenges in physical activity, weight management, and healthy eating; a weight management class; a tobacco cessation hotline; a stress management class; a Tai Chi class; and a chronic disease management class. High compensation for each class.; Behavioral: Biometric Screening/HRA - Moderate Compensation; The biometric test will measure: (1) anthropometrics such as height, weight, & waist circumference (to assess obesity and overweight status); (2) resting blood pressure (to assess hypertension); (3) blood glucose (to assess diabetes risk); & (4) total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol levels, total cholesterol ratio, and triglycerides (to assess risk of cardiovascular disease). The HRA is a survey designed to identify areas of health improvement, by asking a series of questions related to wellness, health status, nutrition, healthy activities, desire to improve health, preventative health measures. The HRA is also pre-populated with biometric information from the screening. Upon completion, participants are given customized feedback on areas of improvement. Moderate compensation for completion.
Experimental: C25; Group C25 is offered high compensation for completing a biometric screening and HRA, and low compensation for each completed wellness course in the fall or spring of the study. Interventions: Workplace Wellness Program, Biometric Screening/HRA - high compensation, Wellness Activities - high compensation	Behavioral: Workplace Wellness Program; Treatment group members will then be offered the opportunity to participate in a biometric screening and health risk assessment (biometric screening + HRA), and -- conditional on completing an biometric screening + HRA -- up to two, semester-long wellness programs. Treatment group members will be offered varying levels of cash reward for completing the biometric screening + HRA (none, moderate, high), and an additional cash reward for completing each wellness activity (low, high), for a total of 6 treatment cells. Follow-up surveys and biometric screenings will be administered one year later, among a subset of control and treatment group members.; Other Names: Biometric Screening; Health Risk Assessment; Wellness Course; Behavioral: Wellness Activities - Low Compensation; Courses are designed by the UI Wellness Center and include an Active Living class; self-paced online health challenges in physical activity, weight management, and healthy eating; a weight management class; a tobacco cessation hotline; a stress management class; a Tai Chi class; and a chronic disease management class. Low compensation for each class.; Behavioral: Biometric Screening/HRA - High Compensation; The biometric test will measure: (1) anthropometrics such as height, weight, and waist circumference (to assess obesity and overweight status); (2) resting blood pressure (to assess hypertension); (3) blood glucose (to assess diabetes risk); and (4) total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol levels, total cholesterol ratio, and triglycerides (to assess risk of cardiovascular disease). The HRA is a survey designed to identify areas of health improvement, by asking a series of questions related to wellness, health status, nutrition, healthy activities, desire to improve health, preventative health measures. The HRA is also pre-populated with biometric information from the screening. Upon completion, participants are given customized feedback on areas of improvement. High compensation for completion.
Experimental: C75; Group C75 is offered high compensation for completing a biometric screening and HRA, and high compensation for each completed wellness course in the fall or spring of the study. Interventions: Workplace Wellness Program, Biometric Screening/HRA - high compensation Wellness Activities - high compensation	Behavioral: Workplace Wellness Program; Treatment group members will then be offered the opportunity to participate in a biometric screening and health risk assessment (biometric screening + HRA), and -- conditional on completing an biometric screening + HRA -- up to two, semester-long wellness programs. Treatment group members will be offered varying levels of cash reward for completing the biometric screening + HRA (none, moderate, high), and an additional cash reward for completing each wellness activity (low, high), for a total of 6 treatment cells. Follow-up surveys and biometric screenings will be administered one year later, among a subset of control and treatment group members.; Other Names: Biometric Screening; Health Risk Assessment; Wellness Course; Behavioral: Wellness Activities - High Compensation; Courses are designed by the UI Wellness Center and include an Active Living class; self-paced online health challenges in physical activity, weight management, and healthy eating; a weight management class; a tobacco cessation hotline; a stress management class; a Tai Chi class; and a chronic disease management class. High compensation for each class.; Behavioral: Biometric Screening/HRA - High Compensation; The biometric test will measure: (1) anthropometrics such as height, weight, and waist circumference (to assess obesity and overweight status); (2) resting blood pressure (to assess hypertension); (3) blood glucose (to assess diabetes risk); and (4) total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol levels, total cholesterol ratio, and triglycerides (to assess risk of cardiovascular disease). The HRA is a survey designed to identify areas of health improvement, by asking a series of questions related to wellness, health status, nutrition, healthy activities, desire to improve health, preventative health measures. The HRA is also pre-populated with biometric information from the screening. Upon completion, participants are given customized feedback on areas of improvement. High compensation for completion.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Wellness Program participation	Completion of biometric screening, HRA, wellness activities	First year of study
Wellness Program participation	Completion of biometric screening, HRA, wellness activities	Second year of study
Selection into treatment by baseline health spending	The investigators will compare the average observable characteristics of participants, relative to treatment non-participants. Average monthly spending prior to the intervention is measured via administrative health claims data.	13 months prior to study
Selection into treatment by self-reported health	The investigators will compare the average observable characteristics of participants, relative to treatment non-participants. Self-reported health is measured as excellent, good, average, or poor.	Baseline measure
Selection into treatment by gender	The investigators will compare the average observable characteristics of participants, relative to treatment non-participants. Gender is measured in administrative HR records.	Baseline measure
Selection into treatment by Age	The investigators will compare the average observable characteristics of participants, relative to treatment non-participants. Age is grouped into three categories: younger than 37, age 37 to 49, age 50 or higher.	Baseline measure
Selection into treatment by race	The investigators will compare the average observable characteristics of participants, relative to treatment non-participants. Race is measure via administrative HR records, as white or nonwhite.	Baseline measure
Selection into treatment by salary quartile	The investigators will compare the average observable characteristics of participants, relative to treatment non-participants. Salary, measured by administrative HR records, is coded into 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartile.	Baseline measure
Selection into treatment by self-reported health utilization	The investigators will compare the average observable characteristics of participants, relative to treatment non-participants. Health care utilization is measured by survey, with yes/no variable for: ever having been screened, prescription drug use, physician/ER visit in prior year, hospital visit in the past year.	Baseline measure
Selection into treatment by smoking status	The investigators will compare the average observable characteristics of participants, relative to treatment non-participants. Smoking status is measured via survey, with yes/no variables for: current smoker of cigarettes, current smoker of other product, former smoker, never smoker.	Baseline measure
Selection into treatment by chronic condition	The investigators will compare the average observable characteristics of participants, relative to treatment non-participants. Chronic condition is measured via baseline survey, and coded as a yes/no variable.	Baseline measure
Health Insurance Spending	Spending as measured in health insurance claims data	12 months and 24-30 months following study
Employment and Productivity	Promotion, job termination, sick leave, attitude toward management, index of these variables	12 months and 24-30 months following study
Health Status and Behaviors	Marathon participation, gym visits, health screening	12 months and 24-30 months following study
Height	Biometric health measures collected one year after study. Height is measured in feet and inches.	1 year following study, 2 years following study
Weight	Biometric health measures collected one year after study. Weight is measured in pounds and ounces.	1 year following study, 2 years following study
Waist circumference	Biometric health measures collected one year after study. Circumference is measured in inches.	1 year following study, 2 years following study
Resting blood pressure	Biometric health measures collected one year after study. Blood pressure is measured in mm Hg.	1 year following study, 2 years following study
Blood glucose	Biometric health measures collected one year after study. Blood glucose is measured in mg/dL.	1 year following study, 2 years following study
Cholesterol levels	Biometric health measures collected one year after study. Cholesterol is measured mg/dL. We measure lipids: LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.	1 year following study, 2 years following study

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
• Collaborators: University of Chicago; National Institutes of Health (NIH); National Institute on Aging (NIA); University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab; Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Damon Jones, PhD, University of Chicago

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): July 11, 2016
• Primary Completion (Anticipated): December 1, 2020
• Study Completion (Anticipated): December 1, 2020

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: May 17, 2017
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 22, 2017
• First Posted (Actual): May 23, 2017

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): April 24, 2020
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 22, 2020
• Last Verified: April 1, 2020

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Health Care; Workplace Wellness; Preventative Health Care; Health Costs
• Other Study ID Numbers: 0008; R01AG050701 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract); 73730 (Other Grant/Funding Number: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation); 2016-06638 (Other Grant/Funding Number: Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab)

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: YES
• IPD Plan Description: Our study will collect detailed data on human subjects and perform several analyses using these data. These data will include self-reported survey data, biometric data, employer administrative data, and health care insurance claims data. Because our data are confidential and include protected health information, we can only share a de-identified version of the data. A statement is included on the study's informed consent form to secure participant's consent to make the de-identified data available to outside researchers. We will also provide replication code that will allow individuals to replicate all of our results. The public use version of our data and replication code for our analyses will be posted publicly on our study's website, which will be hosted at www.nber.org, as well as on the PI's websites.
• IPD Sharing Time Frame: Data will become available by July 2020, and will be available indefinitely.
• IPD Sharing Access Criteria: De-identified data, not linked across outcomes, will be available to download publicly. De-identified data, linked across outcomes, which is necessary for replication, will be available via a secure computer terminal at the National Bureau of Economic Research.
• IPD Sharing Supporting Information Type: STUDY_PROTOCOL; SAP; ANALYTIC_CODE

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No