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greater perseverance at work. When people find a rewardmore psychologically attractive, the report explained, they want it more, so they are motivated to work harder to attain it. This emotional attachment leads to a behavioral change: employees enjoy being recognized with a tangible reward for their performance, so they continue to work harder for it and, as a result, performance increases. Research shows that tangible, non-cash prizes are more effective thanmoney. In its Award ProgramValue and Evidence whitepaper published in 2018, the IRF examined the reasons behind this, and found that recipients typically use money for utilitarian purchases such as groceries, which fails to create a lasting emotional response. Non-cash rewards feel more like gifts and are inherently more social in nature, inciting feelings of appreciation rather than entitlement. A preference for cash is also negatively correlated with the reward- earner’s salary: the more people earn, the greater their preference for tangible, non-cash rewards, especially experiences, including travel andmerchandise they would consider a splurge. Tangible gifts, particularly if they are luxury items, are perceived to be more thoughtful andmore meaningful. If chosen correctly, highly coveted, decadent items are ideal ways to honor andmotivate recipients. Logoed brand-name merchandise and electronics remain the most common rewards for corporate respondents, given by 76 percent and 67 percent of companies, respectively, according to a study. Electronics and sunglasses are the most popular items given by third-party providers, and the average merchandise reward value is $160, according to IRF's “Industry Outlook for 2020: Merchandise, Gift Card and Event Gifting.” Tangible rewards shouldn’t be given at random, but for a specific behavior or accomplishment. Gift cards from exclusively online retailers, like Amazon, were the most popular type of gift cards last year (65 percent), ahead of coffee (61 percent), the most popular type of gift cards given in 2018. An explicit “thank you” maximizes appreciation while most recognition comes with no tangible rewards. Consistent verbal thank-yous, notes, peer recognition, etc., are imperative to effectively engage individuals. Employee engagement is crucial to businesses and also enhances employees’ personal well-being. Recognition is so important that nearly 80 percent of employees who quit their jobs do somainly because of a lack of appreciation in their workplace, according to research by O.C. Tanner. Nearly 95 percent of employees who report being happiest at work say that their managers excel at giving feedback and recognition, according to a Gallup poll. In June, the U.S. unemployment rate declined to 11.1 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, from 14.7 percent in April. With employee turnover costing as much as six to nine months’ salary in recruiting and training expenses, according to the Society for Human Resource Management, showing employees they are valued couldn’t be more vital. Gifts That Keep On Giving For a no-spill experience that’s perfect for sipping on the go, the Contigo Luxe 24-ounce Tumbler is the perfect cup for clients to promote their brand or logo. The insulated tumbler has a fully sealed lid, and the straw has an inner valve to ensure liquids won't spill even if the tumbler is accidentally tipped or dropped. With a double-wall vacuum insulation, drinks will stay cold for up to 18 hours. This cup perfectly fits in most car cup holders, cleans easily and is top-rack dishwasher- safe. Choose from colors Biscay Bay and licorice (shown). This cup is BPA-free and comes with a limited lifetime guarantee. Coleman Company / PPAI 272552, S4 www.coleman.com Roman Samborskyi / Lana Veshta / Shutterstock.com | SEPTEMBER 2020 | 49 GROW