Category: Employee Engagement

Employee Engagement

Spotlighting Merchandise Rewards

September 8, 2016 by

spotlighting merchandise rewardsSmall businesses are experiencing high levels of success utilizing incentive programs that feature merchandise rewards, according to a recent IMRA (Incentive Manufacturers and Representatives Alliance) survey/study.  The survey was conducted in partnership with the IRF (Incentive Research Foundation) and focused on companies with between $1 million and $50 million in annual sales.

IMRA found that 55% of U.S. small businesses use merchandise rewards, and 72% of them reported moderate to significant growth.  According to the report, distribution of rewards is consistent with larger companies, using merchandise for reward/recognition/appreciation of employees (89%), salespeople (87%), distributors (83%) and customers (80%).  Top merchandise rewards are awarded for a variety of objectives, including customer gifts (60%), top performers (59%) and sales quotas (53%).

The target audience responded quite favorably about the effectiveness of merchandise rewards –

  • Our merchandise incentives work: they influence morale: 82%
  • The merchandise we include is fresh and interesting: 77%
  • Merchandise as reward is an effective motivator: 80%
  • We provide merchandise rewards as additional, “different” benefit besides compensation: 76%
  • The merchandise rewards we provide reflect who we are as a company: 71%
  • We are satisfied with the way our merchandise incentives work: 76%
  • Our merchandise incentives work – they influence behavior: 70%
  • Merchandise rewards are more memorable than cash: 61%

Companies are using a wide mix of award types, including apparel, electronics, food/beverage, housewares, sporting goods, cameras, watches, clocks and luggage.  Only 5% responded that they utilized gift cards/cash.

Program Rewards are Only Part of the Solution

This report confirms the value of utilizing merchandise rewards for incentive and recognition initiatives, but rewards are but a part of the overall solution.  Successful incentive and recognition programs are built around a clear understanding of objectives, solid program management tools and technology, and effective communication.  Half of the target audience in this study run points-based merchandise reward programs.

For a rewarding experience, contact us today and learn more about our incentive and recognition solutions.  Click here to review the full IMRA Small Business Merchandise Market Study.

Gamification – Of Leaderboards and Checkers Boards

August 26, 2016 by

As I’m sure that our readers know, gamification is a pretty hot topic these days. However, what our readers may not know, or may not have thought much about, is that there can be confusion in the marketplace about the relationship between gamification and interactive games – especially games of chance. Here at QIC, we’ve… Read more »

Recognition Made Fun

June 24, 2016 by

Designing and managing employee recognition programs is among the most enjoyable aspects of our mission. When employees are recognized for their efforts and achievements, engagement and culture are positively influenced – and we take great pleasure in witnessing the results. One of the more popular and enjoyable features of our recognition platform allows participants to… Read more »

Keep Momentum Going

April 12, 2016 by

As you may have read from many of my colleagues, a well-designed program is the foundation to any Incentive Program’s success.  You have designed the perfect key performance indicators, put together a communication strategy, and even finished configuring your site – but what happens after the launch?  How do you maintain strong momentum? During the… Read more »

Engagement worldwide is what?

March 14, 2016 by

As noted last week, Gallup’s tracking of engagement in the U.S. over the past fifteen years shows little change in the number of engaged employees.  While this leaves much to be desired and much room for improvement, we should have optimism for future results.  According to Gallup, companies with highly engaged workforces outperform peer organizations… Read more »