GiftCard Partners Blog

New research suggests that the best companies (top 20%) are a third more likely to use non-cash incentives, such as travel, merchandise, and gift card awards, in their sales incentive programs.  The study, which was unveiled last week, indicates that these awards are critical in getting the best performance out of sales teams. The respondents surveyed were asked to identify their top three choices that are most effective at yielding the strongest sales performance.  While financial compensation is still tops, the trend has really changed over the last year.  Back in 2012 98% of respondents preferred financial compensation, compared to just 76% this year.  The impact of financial compensation is being considered less of a dominant “no-brainer” in sales.  The runners up include the non-cash incentive programs, gift cards, travel, merchandise, etc, designed to augment the financial leverage that employers have over their front-line sellers. The highly successful organizations recognize that today’s sales personnel and account managers require a far more complex managerial landscape than their predecessors.  They are aware that there is a need to manage on a more holistic level and not just consider meeting quota expectations.  

In 2012 half of all companies with at least 50 employees had a corporate wellness program that incentivized employee wellness through either direct financial incentives or non-financial recognition. Companies larger than 50 employees were even more likely to have an employee wellness program in place, at 79%. These programs do simple things to prevent avoidable conditions like health risk assessment, weight management and nutrition education. The investment is a low-risk high-reward endeavor, especially as components of the Affordable Care Act take affect that further encourage employers to implement programs directed at employee wellness. The average investment in wellness has doubled since 2009, skyrocketing from $260 per employee to $594. The 2014 figure is also significantly higher than the $521 average investment made per employee for wellness in 2013. Employers increased investment and encouragement of employee wellness shows that it is working.
Check out this infographic and more great information from Modern Healthcare on where the employee wellness industry is going and growing in 2014 and beyond.

Remember the phrase "the truth will set you free?" Well, we aren't here to solve all of your problems, but we are here to tell you that the truth may be able to help boost employee engagement. It is time for all of the corporate hierarchy to melt away and for organizations of all sizes to work on open communication and employee engagement. Transparency and truth-telling will open up the lines of communication and engage employees in making the organization the best it can be, which makes employees do the best work they can. Dropping away fear and hierarchical force allows employees to feel comfortable enough to tell the truth. Here are three ways to use truth and open communication to engage employees.

As the Spring and Summer gifting season approaches, business and organization owners should take note: gift cards are set to be the go-to choice for 2024. Whether it's for Mother's Day, weddings, Father's Day, graduations, or Teacher Appreciation Day, gift cards offer a convenient and appreciated solution for recognizing important occasions.

An employee safety program can be tough to implement and even tougher to get employees actively engaged in. An effective employees safety program can be a sound investment that keeps your workforce safe and mitigates risk of workers compensation cases. Here are three ways you can ensure the implementation of your employees safety program is effective.