The IRF 2021 Trends Report

Key trends for 2021 that were expected to impact a workforce and sales landscape that had been dramatically changed by the pandemic.

Industry Outlook for 2021: Merchandise and Gift Cards

Despite the often devastating impact the pandemic had on the incentives industry in 2020, the IRF’s Industry Outlook for 2021 reported the continued importance of incentive programs to employers.

2020 Incentive Industry Travel Index

External shocks bring powerful moments of change, creating new norms. During a widespread pause on travel, the incentive travel sector has sought its bearings, wondering what incentive travel will look like on the other side.

Reward Preferences: Making a Lasting Impact on Incentive Program Participants

The study examines which rewards employees prefer the most, which rewards employers use most frequently, and which rewards most closely correlate to motivation.

What Top Performing Financial Services Companies Do Differently in Incentives and Rewards (2020)

The study identifies the non-cash rewards strategies and tactics used by top performing financial services companies and provides benchmarks and best practices.

Incentive Program Design for Crisis Recovery

A study of strategies and best practices for incentive program design. Offers insights into how organizations can use incentives to address the immediate challenges presented by the pandemic and how incentives can accelerate recovery.

What Top Performing Technology Companies Do Differently in Incentives and Rewards (2020)

The study identifies the non-cash rewards strategies and tactics used by top performing technology companies and provides benchmarks and best practices.

What Top Performing Manufacturing Companies Do Differently in Incentives and Rewards

A deep dive into the results of the manufacturing / automotive segment included in the 2020 IRF Top Performer Study.

IRF Pulse Survey: COVID’s Impact on the Incentive Travel Industry (July 2020)

The IRF fielded a study in July 2020 to understand the ongoing impact on 2020 programs, and when industry professionals believed incentive travel for of various group sizes would return.

IRF Pulse Survey: COVID-19’s Impact on Rewards & Recognition

This May 2020 study reported the impact of COVID-19 on employee and channel reward and recognition programs

COVID-19 and Disruption in the Incentive Travel, Meetings and Events Industry: Adaptation and Recovery

The report reviews threats to running incentive programs, including COVID-19, weather, travel hazards, politics, economic downturns. With a focus on the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, the report provides strategies for business survival and recovery.

Metrics of Success for Incentive and Reward Programs

While there have been unprecedented changes since this study was conducted, the study shows companies were increasingly pushing for higher accountability for their incentive programs.