If you must give a non-cash reward…

It's a fact: According to the Incentive Federation, 81% of businesses use non-cash rewards to

recognize their top-performing employees.  In fact, US businesses spent over $90 billion last year on non-cash incentives. Clearly, businesses recognize the impact of non-cash incentives on their bottom line.  With that recognition, the dilemma becomes what non-cash rewards to put on the table to motivate the best performance the company could hope for. While incentive travel remains the number one sought-after non-cash reward by high achievers, there are companies that consider merchandise incentives as viable alternatives. 

With a dizzying array of options from which to choose, it's difficult to decide which merchandise reward will provide the most bang for the buck. Here are three important criteria in choosing the right reward. 

1. Brand-Name. 

Use brand-name merchandise. Incentive winners don't particularly crave a no-name product they might buy on their own or view with disparagement. Millennials in particular covet splurge items like brand-name electronics and watches. The reason? They're 27 percent less likely to spend their money on luxury products than their Generation Xer counterparts, according to a recent TD Bank study. So, presenting them with a high-end item they can't/won’t purchase on their own will score a huge win.

2. Go Classic.

Choose items that recipients are likely to hold onto for years to come, like a classic watch, suggests Adrienne Forrest, vice president of corporate sales for Bulova. "Watches are so special because they have an heirloom quality to them, so you can pass them on to a child or family member," she says. The longer a recipient keeps an item, the stronger the bond they'll have with the company that gave it to them. 

3. Be Creative. Be Personal.

Contrary to popular belief, in the case of non-cash rewards, “tried and true” may not be the best way to go. The recipient must feel that some quality thinking went into the choice of the reward to make them feel special. Millennials covet different items than Baby Boomers.  A little research may help buy significant goodwill with the recipient. Regardless of the company’s size, rewards can be made personal. The traditional “gold watch” to a retiree does not particularly motivate an up-and-coming young executive.  Put some thought in the whole process.

Bewildered by all the criteria and the choices in deciding a non-cash reward for your top-performing employees? There is one “tried and true” reward you can fall back on and rest assured that it will be universally coveted by all—and that is incentive trips.  Incentive trips are one category of non-cash rewards that candidates in a survey unanimously voted as the best.  

Our bet is also on incentive trips. Let the Maxxus Group put forward viable non-cash rewards that would meet your corporate goals and motivates your key personnel to reach for the proverbial stars. 

Three Days on One Happy Island

One of the exciting challenges for professional event planners specialized in incentive programs is to come up with the next destination that can excite the participants.  With so many competing stimulating destinations around the world, it is always a test of our understanding of our clients and what motivates their participants to strive to achieve their goals to get to experience the next inspiring destination.  For this auto maker client, having had incentive programs on every continent, it was time for “One Happy Island.”  Aruba is one of those destinations that conjures up so many inspiring notions—a perfect stimulant for our next destination for this selective client.

With a fitting tag line “One Happy Island,” Aruba, a tiny Dutch Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela, has dry, sunny weather, blond beaches and gentle surf. Constant trade winds bring cool breezes and cause the divi-divi trees to slope southwesterly. European influence shows in architecture that features Dutch gables painted in tropical pastels. It’s also evident in language, with English, Dutch and Spanish spoken alongside the local tongue, Papiamento.

Arrival

Bound from multiple points of origin from across North America, the participants converged at Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport, where their VIP status was recognized with prearranged expedited customs formalities after which they were whisked away in the waiting vehicles arranged by our ground transportation partner—and onto the Ritz-Carlton Aruba for their awaiting luxury accommodations.  

Overlooking the Caribbean Sea with miles of azure waters to explore, experience, surprise and delight at every turn, the Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, is one of the newest Aruba luxury hotels to rise along the island's spectacular Palm Beach. The hotel features 320 rooms and suites all offering private balconies and stunning ocean views; four dining outlets; a luxurious, 13-treatment room Spa; two swimming pools and a 24-hour casino. This exquisite getaway combines legendary Ritz-Carlton service with unprecedented opulence for an island retreat like no other. 

Ritz Carlton

Aruba

Nothing says “ice breaker” than a “Bon Bini” Cocktail Reception at the Ritz’s Recreation Pool followed by a sumptuous dinner at BLT Steak terrace that provided the perfect backdrop for the group to connect in an ambiance of Classic American Steakhouse with a modern interpretation.  

BLT Steak Terrace Dinner

Day 2

After a restful night’s sleep, the group was in need of a good “stretch”—with a choice of yoga on the beach or for the more adventurous ones on standup paddleboards, after which they got to rest and enjoy the serene ocean scene from waiting private cabanas.   

SUP

Yoga

As the morning drew to a close, equipped with hearty lunch boxes, the group got to choose from exploring the island on ATVs or, for a more tamed activity, head to the hotel’s luxury spa for some pampering.  

In paradise, it seems fun never ends.  Before you knew it, it was time for another sumptuous dinner. This one at the famed Wilhelmina Restaurant in its open-air setting that left everyone starry-eyed.  

Day 3

Even on the Happy Island, time marches on fast—or is it faster? Day 3 was already here and so much yet to do.  We couldn’t leave Aruba without experiencing “Cas di Wichi,” a local venue, a typical “Cunucu” house—actually the home of a local DMC owner—where the group was treated to an authentic breakfast of local cuisine; and where the group was able to connect and indulge in local experiences by participating in a watercolor painting session with a local artist, making their own local sauce or by learning how to prepare some local dishes. 

You can’t be in these crystal-clear blue waters of the Caribbean without a hearty dose of snorkeling.  Onboard we went and sailed to calmer waters to witness a magnificent display of nature’s extraordinary colors in the waters below.  

Sadly, before you knew it, the farewell ceremonies were upon us. And what a display of color and fanfare with a traditional carnival sendoff—bringing three spectacular days of sun, sand and fond memories to an end.  Infused with remarkable enthusiasm, the group was sent off to produce yet another record year performance to be celebrated in yet another spectacular corner of the globe.  

The Cure for Employee Burnout? Incentive Travel

Have you ever wished you had more vacation days? Most of us probably have, which is why it’s surprising to find that there are many people who not only have trouble using up all their vacation days, but actually refuse to take any days off at all.

Find it hard to believe? Well, many offices have at least one person like this. Research has found that in the U.S., about 15% of employees have not taken vacation in the past year. 

There can be several reasons why employees feel the need to skip their vacations: hope of advancing their careers; fear of returning to a backlog of emails and work; the increase in self-esteem that comes from feeling needed at the office; or the perception of “taking one for the team” by letting others go on vacation instead.

But in the long run, many of these people eventually see the negative effects that come from nonstop work. The lack of time away from the office becomes damaging not only to their own health and personal lives, but also to their relationships with others.

Employers are realizing too that nonstop work for their employees is damaging in the long-term to their productivity at work.

It is apparent that some employees are in desperate need to get away for a while. In fact, according to this Wall Street Journal article, some employers are even offering cash for employees to take their vacations. They realize that when their employees return from their vacation, they come back refreshed and even more productive than before.

Wall Street Journal’s Work & Family Columnist Sue Shellenbarger had the chance to talk to some employees who had not taken time off in years and were finally allowing themselves to take a vacation. Even though it took them a few days relearn how to enjoy their time off, every single one of them saw the benefits. By the end of their vacation, they felt better and got a fresh perspective on things.

Incentive Travel: A Win-Win

In light of these findings, what might be an even better option than cash is to offer incentive travel. Incentive trips can take the stress off the employees who are fearful of taking vacation, because a company-sanctioned trip allows employees to freely relax with their spouses, families, and colleagues. It also helps them forge and build on relationships with their colleagues and leaders, outside of the pressures of the office.

This helps increase the health and wellbeing of employees and improves their personal lives and relationships. And with employees feelings well-rested and renewed after the trip, it’ll sure help them be even more productive, which in turn is a valuable benefit for everyone.