Employee Incentive Programs Key Terms

Find an employee incentive program that is right for you by first understanding the key terms

By Renee Baumgardner

Employee incentive programs are an important component of maintaining a happy and productive work environment. These programs include individual travel, group travel, employee field trips, company swag, and sporting and spa certificates. Before deciding on the employee incentive program for your company, it is important to understand the terminology.

Individual travel incentive

An individual travel incentive is a program which rewards an employee with a travel certificate for a hotel chain or cruise line. The value of the certificate can range from a weekend getaway to a several day cruise.
Try: Refer to Peak Performance for more information on individual travel incentives.

Group travel incentives

Group travel incentives reward multiple employees at once with a chance to get away. These programs can serve a dual purpose by not only rewarding employees, but also providing an occasion to promote interaction between management and employees, plan activities that foster teamwork, and introduce new polices or programs.
Try: For more information on group travel incentives, refer to the Incentive Performance Center website.

Employee field trips

Employee field trips are another incentive program that an organization can utilize to improve employee morale and motivation within the workplace. An employee field trip can be a day of fun, such as a company picnic, or a work retreat where employees participate in activities to foster team building and interaction with management, as well as recreation and entertainment.
Try: Refer to AllBusiness for information on how employee field trips can benefit your organization.

Company swag

Company swag refers to items toting a company name and logo. Some incentive programs reward employees by presenting them with items such as polo shirts, fleece blankets, first aid kits, fishing lures and golf accessories. Company swag not only recognizes an employee's achievement but also fosters a sense of belonging to a team.
Try: Refer to Swag Connection for more information and ideas on company swag.

Sports certificates

Sports certificates appeal to many employees in an organization. Reward the accomplishments of an employee with a sports package to the Super Bowl, a hockey game, NASCAR race, basketball or baseball game that also includes hotel and dining accommodations.
Try: For more information on sports certificates, refer to Travel Round.

Spa experience certificates

Spa experience certificates provide an opportunity for an employee to relax with their significant other and not only receive massages, body treatments and facials, but also enjoy amenities such as a sauna and whirlpool. Spa experience certificates can range from a day of pampering to a spa weekend that includes hotel and dining accommodations.
Try: Refer to Spavelous for more information on spa gift certificates.