The 2026 IRF Trends Report highlights how incentive professionals are navigating rising costs, geopolitical uncertainty,...
Research / IRF Gift Card Panel
by Incentive Research Foundation
Incentive program owners have had to make significant changes to their motivation and rewards programs in response to COVID-19. Whether adapting to reduced staff, work-from-home mandates, or new responsibilities on the front line, most program owners are adapting their programs goals and mix of rewards. A recent IRF survey reported that the use of gift cards as rewards has increased by 26% during the pandemic.
The IRF has assembled a panel of gift card experts to offer insights into new ways gift cards are being used to motivate performance. They will discuss how now more than ever, gift cards allow for flexibility, creativity, and efficiency when used to motivate important audiences.
This Academic Research in Action explores how cognitive biases shape the effectiveness of incentive and recognition programs. It highlights why well‑intentioned designs often fall short and emphasizes the need for behaviorally informed approaches that account for how people actually interpret rewards.
The incentives industry is entering 2026 amid persistent cost pressures, geopolitical uncertainty, and evolving participant expectations. At the same time, we are seeing optimism in both North America and Europe as organizations embrace the power of incentives to engage and motivate their workforce. During this IRF webinar, our panel will discuss what lies ahead for the incentives industry as reported in…
