Work

Use of a Personalized Digital Wellness App to Increase Employee Engagement Without Financial Incentives

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Human resources (HR) initiatives can reduce healthcare costs and improve productivity, yet participation remains low. This study evaluated usability and predictors of engagement for Aspire2B, a personalized wellness application leveraging behavior change principles, alongside a 6-week HR-led movement challenge. METHODS: Participants were US-based, salaried PepsiCo employees, aged 21-68. Aspire2B integrated step data and provided heart rate, stress index, and biological age via transdermal optical imaging. No monetary incentives were provided. RESULTS: Of 512 registrants, 84% completed onboarding, 14% interacted with the app in week 2, 12% in week 3, and 6% in week 6, trending higher than commercial apps, though populations may not be directly comparable. Older age and higher heart and respiratory rates were associated with more steps and app usage. CONCLUSIONS: Aspire2B demonstrated preliminary feasibility for increasing engagement in HR wellness initiatives.

Source: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000003852

Authors: Calissa J. Leslie-Miller, Shellen R. Goltz, Katherine H. Page, Christopher C. Cushing, Tristin D. Brisbois

Institutions: University of Kansas, Pepsi (United States)

Language: English

Topic: Mobile Health and mHealth Applications

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W7202202686

FWCI:

Cites:

Cited by:

Related to: 10