lost productivity each year. Most employees are disengaged and unsatisfied. A 2022 report found that only 32% of full- and part-time employees are engaged. Employee engagement has declined every year since 2020. Incentives area great way to motivate a disengaged workforce. Kasondra Crist, brand marketing specialist at Illinois-based distributor HALO, says, “A great incentive program inspires and motivates employees, utilizing products and daily communication, to keep them engaged and excited.” The incentive theory by psychologist Clark Hull says that our actions are driven by our desire for external rewards. We are more likely to study for a test or meet a sales quota if there’s a meaningful and attainable reward like getting good grades or receiving a highend, name-brand gift. “Most people get excited when a new incentive plan is announced,” says Stacey Panassidi, senior sales and business executive at Massachusetts-based distributor Stran & Company. “It gives them new motivation to work harder and achieve more. It’s another reason to come to the office energized and use creativity to solve problems in the workplace. However, only the best programs actually achieve those outcomes. Plans that aren’t effective fail to motivate employees and ultimately fall by the wayside. The best plans incorporate training for their employees.” According to a 2020 whitepaper, 92% of employees say that they’re more likely to repeat an action when they’re recognized for it. Incentives not only increase productivity and decrease employee turnover – but – they also attract new talent. According to Glassdoor, around 60% of job candidates report incentives and benefits as one of their top considerations before accepting a job. “Selecting the gifts to make a program attractive to the participants takes information,” Achtzehn says. “In past programs, I’ve surveyed participants, asking about the top three things they like to do after work and on weekends; who is themost important person to them; would they rather entertain at home, work around the house, travel somewhere or lay on the couch if they had a free week? Questions to find out who they are. From there, you select based upon the answer. You’ll end up with luggage, popcorn machines, fishing rods, recliners and power tools in your program.” LayThe Groundwork It’s vital to create a program that the participants understand. Achtzehn recommends clear communication to employees: Explain everything, including the rules, award redemption and especially, their ability to see that the awards are attainable. And don’t forget to promote it along the way. Get participants excited. Follow up with them on their performance and congratulate them as their successes come in. After all, that’s what it’s all about – recognizing performance. | NOVEMBER 2022 | 61 The PPB Guide To Incentive Programs | FEATURE
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