Retaining top performing employees and preparing them to take over the reins during the next decade is a top priority for most organisations, according to a study by the Incentive Research Foundation.
The study, entitled '10 Trends for Merchandise and Gift Card programmes in 2015', found that a crucial part of that process will involve Merchandise and Gift Card programmes that inspire and connect with these future leaders, keeping them happy, productive and engaged.
The IRF has identified 10 central trends that will help managers better understand what's in store for the future in terms of this key motivational tool:
- Positive Impact on Programme Design
The number of organisations that believe economic conditions are having a negative impact on incentive programmes continues to decline. Conclusion: Both the relative long-term buoyancy and the overall current positive state bode very well for Merchandise and Gift Card reward programmes in 2015.
- Budgets Trending Up
Almost 50% of planners in the fall of 2014 said they'll be increasing their budgets; additionally, per-person spend is up. Conclusion: Barring unforeseen economic or extreme political changes, budgets will maintain a strong positive trajectory for the next few years.
- Experiences Lead the Way
We're entering a phase that has been called the "Experience Economy," with more robust experiences desired by different age groups. Conclusion: Suppliers of Merchandise and Gift Card-based award and recognition programmes must ensure the overall experience intended for each individual recipient is appropriate and rewarding - whether employee, salesperson, or channel partner.
- Limited Luxury
It's important to seek a balance between necessity and luxury. Electronics and "open loop" Gift Cards are now popular items for programmes. Conclusion: Items that can be personalised and items that ride the line between hedonistic and security drives will be popular in 2015 and beyond.
- An App In Everything
The proliferation of mobile devices and apps is trending to Merchandise having similar functionality. Conclusion: We will no doubt see movement away from specific devices that maintain multiple applications to applications embedded in all aspects of daily life and products.
- Wellness is a Booming Industry
A relatively large number of employers continue to introduce wellness rewards, noting that the use of noncash items drives participation. Conclusion: Both the amount of products used to incent wellness and the types of products labeled with wellness attributes will continue to grow.
- Disruption as a Constant State
Social, political and environmental unrest continue to present programme risks. During such times, Merchandise and Gift Cards are providing a safe haven for many companies. Conclusion: This trend will increase the use of reward & recognition programmes, force suppliers to disclose their risk mitigation plans more readily and increase the number of organisations looking to outside partners for risk mitigation.
- Mobile Proliferation
Mobile device saturation is leading many companies to allow employees to bring their own devices to work. In fact, over half of the people in a recent survey believed "BYOD" could serve as a retention and recruitment tool, especially with Millennials. Conclusion: programme communications will not just need to be available on mobile devices, they'll need to be configured across multiple platforms as well.
- CEOs Need To Attract And Retain Talent
Thanks to shifts in worker population demographics, CEOs are confronted with a smaller number of people entering the job market than the number of people leaving it. Conclusion: Noncash reward & recognition programmes will be a key tool for executives seeking to motivate multiple generations and "train up" the next run of leaders more quickly.
- Engaged In What?
In today's knowledge economy, successful organisations need their employees to be engaged in new (non-core) roles. Conclusion: As organisations continue to attract and retain top performers, agile noncash programmes like Gift Cards and Merchandise will be key strategic tools.
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