Why Incentive Travel Should Be Your Next Employee Motivation Strategy

Incentive travel truly is a gift that keeps on giving. It’s well known that travel enriches the mind, body and soul. Quotes like, ‘Jobs fill your pocket, adventures fill your soul,’ by actress, producer and writer Jamie Lyn Beaty can be commonly found on Instagram. Even if they are cheesy, many of them are true. Incentive travel is one of the top choices when it comes to employee motivation and engagement, and we’re giving you the lowdown on why it should be your next employee motivation strategy.  According to those surveyed in the 2023 Incentive Travel Index, "Retention of employees (90%) is the most commonly cited reason why incentive travel is gaining strategic importance.”  

Benefits of Incentive Travel as an Employee Motivation Strategy   

Unbelievable experiences 

Incentive travel offers employees a unique and memorable experience that they may not have the opportunity to do otherwise. It can create a sense of excitement and anticipation for the employees, which can motivate them to work harder to achieve the incentive.  

PROVE IT: Corresponding to the Incentive Travel Council’s research, 84% of participants said the experiences on offer were the most memorable part of their incentive travel program.  

Increased job satisfaction 

Employees who feel valued and appreciated are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs. By offering incentive travel, employers can show their appreciation for their employees' hard work and dedication, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and a positive workplace culture. 

PROVE IT: In a study conducted by the Incentive Research Foundation, 96% of employees who received an incentive trip felt appreciated by their employer, and 88% felt more loyal to their company as a result.  

Increased productivity 

When employees have a clear goal to work towards, they tend to be more productive. Incentive travel can provide a clear goal for employees to strive towards, which can lead to increased productivity and improved business outcomes. 

PROVE IT: A study by the SITE International Foundation found that 77% of participants reported increased productivity and 75% reported increased motivation after participating in an incentive travel program.  

Boosted employee engagement 

Employees who feel engaged with their work tend to be more motivated and productive. Incentive travel can create a sense of camaraderie among employees as they work towards a common goal, which can boost engagement and create a more cohesive team.  

PROVE IT: According to a study by the Incentive Travel Council, incentive travel programs can increase employee engagement by as much as 18%.

Retention of Top Talent 

By offering unique incentives like travel, employers can retain top talent and reduce turnover. Employees who feel valued and appreciated are more likely to stay with their current employer, rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere.  

PROVE IT: As per a study conducted by the Incentive Research Foundation, the implementation of incentive travel programs can lead to a retention increase of up to 28% amongst employees.  

Statistics gathered from the Incentive Research Foundation, the Incentive Travel Council and SITE International Foundation. 

Incentive Travel vs Other Employee Motivation Strategies  

Incentive Travel vs. Cash Bonuses 

Although cash bonuses are a widely used employee motivation strategy, they may not match the level of excitement and engagement provided by incentive travel. Cash bonuses can enhance employee morale, but they don't provide the same level of camaraderie and shared experience as incentive travel. Incentive travel can foster a sense of teamwork and unity among employees as they strive towards a collective objective.  

PROVE IT: Check out a recent incentive we delivered for a direct sales company. Taking more than 100 delegates to Sicily, it was easy to see the advantages over cash bonuses.   

Incentive Travel vs. Recognition Programs 

While recognition programs can be effective in motivating employees, you lose out on the physical location and environmental experience that you get with incentive travel. Recognition programs have their place and should be encouraged alongside incentive travel. Why not have a recognition program that lets employees win a place on an upcoming incentive trip?  

PROVE IT: With 98% of winners motivated by a recent incentive delivered for a recruitment company, incentive travel trumps recognition programs hands down.  

Incentive Travel vs. Employee Benefits 

Employee benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans, play a crucial role in employee attraction and retention, but they may not be as effective as incentive travel when it comes to motivating employees. While employee benefits are advantageous, they don't provide the same level of involvement and enthusiasm as incentive travel. Incentive travel can offer a sense of anticipation and stimulation for employees, creating a unique and memorable experience that can be a powerful motivator.  

PROVE IT: Discover how we made sure an incentive trip to Slovenia met the brief for a manufacturing company. 

Incentive travel can be a highly effective employee motivation strategy for any organisation. It provides a tangible and memorable reward for employees who meet or exceed their performance goals, and can serve as a powerful tool for attracting and retaining top talent. By creating a sense of camaraderie and shared experience among team members, incentive travel can also help to foster a positive and collaborative workplace culture.

Ultimately, investing in incentive travel can be a smart and strategic decision that pays off in increased productivity, engagement, and overall success for your business. If you want to get in on all the incentive travel action, call us now on 01753 833 811.