Why are Ohio University Human Resources and WellWorks offering this incentive?
Ohio University recognizes the numerous benefits of exercise and wants to reward and encourage employees who are physically active. This incentive is another step in our goal to create a culture of wellness at Ohio University.
Who is eligible to participate in the Healthy OHIO WellWorks membership incentive program, 100 Day Challenge?
Participation is limited to WellWorks members who are benefits- eligibleOhio University employees and/or their spouses or domestic partners. Note: You do not need to enrolled in benefits; merely eligible to enroll.
If an eligible individual reaches their 100 days of visits in the rolling calendar year, what type of membership do they receive?
Each eligible individual would earn an Individual Annual Facility Membership.
I am not able to regularly get to the Athens campus. Can I still participate in the 100 Day Challenge?
Absolutely! We offer LIVE virtual fitness class check-ins and a full calendar of pre-recorded content available for check-in (Called "Alternate Check-Ins" and "Virtual Check Ins" on our member portal).
These virtual/remote check-ins are also intended to support employees operating on campuses other than Athens or who are working remotely. We hope these opportunities can positively support our employees and their spouses/partners as we all navigate changing work environments and unpredictable gas prices.
How do I sign up for the program?
No registration is required. Though, it is important to make sure your member profile in our Member Portal identifies you as either a University Employee or a Spouse/Partner. WellWorks will run a report of members who are listed as "employee" or "spouse/partner" in their member profile and then Human Resources will verify eligibility. If your member profile does not classify you as one of the above, we will not include you in the program.
I am not currently a WellWorks member. Can I still participate?
Membership is required; a yearly membership is preferred. (See direct debit options to pay for a year on a monthly basis.) You can become a member at any time and begin working toward 100 days of visits within your calendar year.
What "counts" as a visit?
Visits count for physical activity in the WellWorks fitness center, WellWorks group exercise, virtual group fitness and virtual check-ins. Please note that pre-registration required for classes, remote check-ins and virtual check-ins.
What if I exercise outside of WellWorks?
At this time, you must check-in at one of our pre-approved locations for your movement to count as a visit. This includes checking in: at our front desk, for a group exercise class or a virtual check-in.
How can I keep track of my visits?
We'll keep track of them for you! You can also use one of our handy paper tracking slips for a simple way to keep track of it yourself.
Visits are counted via the check-in system at the WellWorks front desk and online through our Member Portal. Therefore, it is necessary for you to check-in at the front desk (or online for virtual classes) when using the fitness center or use the iPad system for group exercise classes. You must check-in on your computer/device for the virtual check-in program and live virtual classes during the allowable hours on the date the program is offered.
NOTE: if you check in at the front desk and sign in at a group exercise class, it will flag as a double-entry for that day—but, be advised that only ONE visit per day counts toward the goal of 100 visits.
The front desk staff can check the status of your visits at any time, however the “official” number (double entries removed) of visits is run on a monthly administrative report and your eligibility must be verified with HR.
Can I check-in at WellWorks more than once per day?
Only one visit to WellWorks per day will count toward your 100 Day Challenge count. Though, members are welcome to visit the facility as frequently as their wellness journeys allow.
Will I be notified when I reach my 100 days of check-ins?
Yes! WellWorks will check the visit status for participants during the first week of every month. You will be notified via email when you reach 100 visits and eligibility is confirmed with Human Resources. Please make sure your current email address is on file in your member profile so you receive our alerts.
After I reach my 100-day mark, when will I receive my free membership?
Your free membership will be tacked onto your current account. The free membership will begin as soon as your current membership expires. If you participate in our Evergreen Direct Debit program, you can receive your free membership as soon as you receive your official notification from WellWorks, but you will need to notify WellWorks to stop your direct debit payments per the contract policy.
What if my WellWorks membership expires before I reach my 100-day visit mark?
As we have transitioned to a calendar year system, you MUST now complete 100 visits within 1 calendar year of the start date of your membership. If you do not achieve it in that time, you can add a month or longer onto your membership and keep trying.
What if I get 100 visits every 4-6 months? Can I earn two or more memberships a year?
No, only ONE free one-year membership will be awarded within a calendar year. Example: If your membership runs 4/5/24 – 4/4/25 and you reach 100 visits in July 2024 and earn a membership, but you get another 100 visits by December 2024, you will not receive a second yearly membership. An earned free membership will be applied to the account the same month it is set to expire. So, in this scenario, the member's free 100-day-membership will be applied to the account in April of 2025.
Is this a taxable benefit?
Yes, this is a taxable benefit for the year in which the membership is received. The paycheck of the benefits-carrier will be taxed during the pay period in which the benefit is fulfilled.