Incentives, reward and recognition programs – how to plan in challenging times

How to plan a successful incentive programme is one of the greatest challenges going forward. In the last 18 months most travel-based programmes were cancelled or postponed. Companies still wanted to reward their staff who had achieved their goals and many of them turned to merchandise and gifts.

Many companies are planning to return to the travel incentive programme, but these will be different in the future.

• Destinations need to be selected with greater care. Previously, many incentive destinations were international. These can now throw up problems with changes in regulations, restrictions and the time it takes to adhere to testing requirements beforehand and afterwards.
• When dealing with global attendees, it is worth considering events in different regions: EMEA, APAC and America, rather than one large get together. This is particularly important when people are in difference countries and regions, with different restrictions.
• Domestic destinations can also be attractive and may be easier and less stressful for the group. Participants won’t want feel motivated if they have to put a lot of time and effort in to the trip.
• Group sizes will be smaller as fewer people will be able to fit on each transfer or activity and more space is needed for meals. Many people now prefer mixing in smaller groups
• Covid protocols will need to be met, whether that’s testing and/or vaccination and what proof is needed to travel and attend theatres, clubs and inside activities.
• Travel costs have increased as airlines have put their fares up. Airlines are also changing routes and cancelling flights if the booking levels don’t make them profitable.
• Attendees requirements have changed, it’s the personalisation of the incentive that that makes employees feel special and incentives will be more focussed on personal experience. Make sure you know the group’s demographics, not just their age and make up, but also what they need to feel special: activities, relaxation, sightseeing etc
• Communication is key. Do a survey to understand the concerns and make sure they have all the reassurance they need to attend. Check that all attendees are comfortable with the experience and they are reassured that they are fully informed and know the regulations, it is safe and there are no surprises.
• Maybe people would feel happier travelling individually to a destination of their choice by using a voucher, rather than as a group.
• Keep checking the objectives and know why you are running the programme – make sure it will motivate and reward the participants. Lifestyles have changed since staff have been working from home and successful incentive programmes pivoted to offering gifts and rewards that high achievers could choose themselves. The choice of a luxury item, by redeeming points, was successful in lockdown. Items such as a Peleton bike, wine, watches, jewellery and high-end household items made life more comfortable at home and were a treat.

For help to plan your incentive programme to find a venue, call our team of experts on 01780 484495 .