All Star Incentive Marketing has called for employee wellness programs to account for differences in participants’ circumstances and preferences. Its April 2023 guidance connects inclusion with the design of both activities and rewards.

The article draws on the work of Motion Infusion founder Laura Putnam. Her perspective challenges the assumption that every employee has the same opportunities, resources or environment for participating in a wellness activity.

All Star places leadership and company culture at the beginning of the response. Inclusive program messaging needs to be supported by an environment that accommodates employees’ different situations.

Reward selection is part of that design. The company recommends reviewing the available gifts and offering a range of tangible products or experiences that reflect personal interests.

The guidance also encourages ongoing evaluation rather than treating the initial catalog as permanent. A meaningful reward for one participant may have little appeal to another.

For wellness and incentive program operators, the proposal links choice with accessibility. Understanding who can participate and what recipients value helps shape the activities, communication and awards offered across the workforce.