Why don’t employees participate in well-being programs? A research-informed systems-based model

Employee non-participation in well-being programs is common, but not well understood. Development of a systems-based framework to characterize reasons for non-participation can inform efforts to enhance engagement.Following literature review, and building on previous research, a systems-based model was developed to contextualize participation barriers.Well-being program non-participation is more frequent among low-wage workers as well as minority subpopulations. Contributors include employer factors, such as inequitable benefits design; employee factors, such as lack of perceived relevance, barriers to access, and lower prioritization of personal health needs.A systems-based approach to evaluating well-being program non-participation can help to identify factors contributing to employee non-participation, and lead to targeted policy and practice changes that encourage greater employee engagement.