Research

The IRF Budgeting for Recognition Toolkit: Calculator, Templates, Guides and Resources

by Incentive Research Foundation • September 29, 2021

Recognition programs ​have wide reach, so they can motivate broad-based employee behaviors.​ They answer the universal human need for appreciation. Everyone can qualify and, ideally, the great majority of employees will receive at ... Read more

The IRF Incentive Travel Toolkit: Forms, Templates, Guides, Tips, and Resources

by Incentive Research Foundation • August 18, 2021

An incentive travel program is a powerful and effective employee motivator. But long before your incentive program award winners are being celebrated at a luxurious property, it’s critical that the program is planned, designed, and impleme... Read more

Budgeting for Recognition Toolkit, Section 1: The Business Case for Corporate Recognition Programs

by Incentive Research Foundation • September 29, 2020

A recent report by Inspirus cites research that suggests recognition programs reduce turnover and absenteeism by 31% and 41% respectively. The costs of turnover have been widely estimated at one-third annual compensation or more. Recognition and a... Read more

Budgeting for Recognition Toolkit, Section 2: Design Factors for Recognition Programs

by Incentive Research Foundation • September 29, 2020

People want sincere appreciation for doing a good job. The challenge is finding the right recognition strategies to express appreciation. Once basic needs are met, recognition can be an even more powerful motivator than compens... Read more

Budgeting for Recognition Toolkit, Section 3: Budget, Measure, Analyze

by Incentive Research Foundation • September 29, 2020

The IRF’s Recognition Program Budget Calculator This tool offers general budgeting guidelines for broad-based employee recognition programs apart from your budget for incentive & reward programs. While it does not provide precise estima... Read more

Budgeting for Recognition Toolkit, Section 4: Additional Recommended Resources

by Incentive Research Foundation • September 29, 2020

Online Articles and Resources The battle for talent: Workers have an edge over employers as the pandemic wanes, Mitra Kalita, Fortune Magazine The Manager’s Guide to Employee Engagement, A holistic view of the employee ex... Read more

Incentive Travel Toolkit, Section 1: Industry Overview

by Incentive Research Foundation • August 4, 2020

Over the last year, the incentive travel industry has experienced the most tumultuous time in its history. Despite the cancellations and travel restrictions, incentive travel is poised for a strong recovery due to the value and benefits incentive ... Read more

Incentive Travel Toolkit, Section 2: The Business Case & Key Selling Points

by Incentive Research Foundation • August 4, 2020

An incentive program with a travel reward is one of the most motivating programs an organization can put in place for their employees or channel partners. The impacts of a travel reward extend well beyond the earning period, creating long-term aff... Read more

Incentive Travel Toolkit, Section 3: Program Design Best Practices

by Incentive Research Foundation • August 4, 2020

Keys to Incentive Program Design The design of an incentive program can make or break program success. Whether an internal program or a channel program, designing a program is an art and a science. From rules structures and audience identificatio... Read more

Incentive Travel Toolkit, Section 4: Program Operations Best Practices

by Incentive Research Foundation • August 4, 2020

The Operations Team handles process, day-to-day duties, tasks, and deliverables to ensure successful outcomes. Savvy planners, operations leaders, and event hosts won’t want to overlook key considerations for their incentive travel programs.... Read more