As part of our "Behavior Change at Work" series, this presentation offers real-world applications of Self-Determination Theory to spark behavior change from within the workplace. After all, most employees spend more time at the office than they do sleeping—so there are many unique opportunities to inspire healthy habits!

1. Behavior Change at Work
9 Worksite Wellness Applications
of Self-Determination Theory

2. Theory At-a-Glance
Self-Determination Theory states that
individuals are much more likely to
engage in positive behaviors over the
long term when 3 conditions are met…

3. Building Competence
Offer regular lunch-and-learn events
tied to real-world skills or knowledge.
Think outside the box and select topics that
are interesting and relevant to employees.
For example, an expert on getting organized
can give tips for reducing job-related stress
and achieving better work-life balance.
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4. Building Competence
Map out several walking routes
around each office location.
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Accommodate schedules by providing
route options that can be completed in 5, 15,
and 30 minutes. Include indoor paths as well
for days when an outdoor jaunt isn’t enticing
due to the weather. Finally, find creative ways
to make the map fun and visually appealing.

5. Building Competence
Give positive encouragement and
feedback at unexpected times.
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We all want reinforcement that we’re doing the
right things (and doing them well). Each week,
provide a small gift card to one employee and
have them award it to a coworker that exhibits
a healthy habit at the office during that week.

6. Fostering Self-Direction
Factor choice and flexibility
into your wellness program.
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Autonomy is key for intrinsic motivation.
Rather than rigid incentive designs that force
everyone down a defined path, consider
adopting a points-based structure so individuals
can complete activities that are meaningful
to them and their personal goals.

7. Fostering Self-Direction
Communicate as a friend –
not as a parent.
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Being told you “have” to do something tends
to diminish the desire to do that very thing.
Audit your wellness materials to scrub away
controlling language. Replace it with a warm,
conversational tone that emphasizes
information, rationale, and value.

8. Fostering Self-Direction
Measure, adapt, refine
(and repeat).
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Each employee is a customer of your wellness
program. Hear firsthand what’s working and
what needs improvement by conducting a
robust annual satisfaction survey. Then, use
this valuable data to make adjustments and
experiment with new ideas year-over-year.

9. Connecting Support
Set several organization-wide goals
to strive for during the year.
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Shared objectives unite people through
teamwork and peer support. Provide context
for each goal – and how it impacts the whole
company. Communicate regular updates
on the progress made, as well as ways
employees can contribute to success.

10. Connecting Support
Tap into the bonds
of friends and family.
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Humans are social by nature, and your
wellness program can take advantage of this.
Organize a company field day or bowling
tournament that’s open to employees
and their loved ones. You’ll find that it not
only boosts health – but morale, too.

11. Connecting Support
Crowdsource activities through a
wellness champion network.
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Leverage wellness champions to generate
grassroots enthusiasm for upcoming events.
Advise them on effective ways to mentor
and cheer their coworkers’ efforts – as well as
helping individuals overcome barriers.

12. We spark real behavior change.
To learn more about Nurtur-LiveHealthier’s
integrated health and wellness solutions
for large employers and health plans,
visit www.NurturLiveHealthier.com.