Unmotivated employees are bad for business. Their work will suffer, group morale will decline, and eventually, an unmotivated worker may quit. Many employers attempt to combat this problem with raises and other cash incentives, but a more effective approach exists. While monetary rewards often fail to inspire people, travel incentives motivate employees in numerous ways.
1- Experiences
Cash prizes are often used to pay off bills, but travel incentives offer an unforgettable experience. Employees earn the chance to get away, make memories, and enjoy a unique opportunity. A trip is more likely to have a lasting impact, leaving an employee motivated to earn another travel opportunity.
2- Anticipation
Travel incentives can build excitement for weeks and even months before the trip itself. Employees who have never experienced such an opportunity will be filled with anticipation. Not only that, but employees who have already earned a trip will be excited for another chance to earn a unique experience. When it comes to cash rewards, employees tend to know exactly what they’ll use the money for. There’s no sense of surprise or mystery. With a travel incentive, however, winners get to wait and see what’s in store.
4- Improved Morale
Travel incentives can provide a huge morale boost after a stressful work period. Even if—or perhaps especially if!—things at the office have been frustrating lately, a trip can renew the vim and vigor of your employees.
4- Team-building
If you put team members together in a more relaxed environment, they will have the opportunity to socialize naturally. Employees who can rub shoulders and enjoy recreational activities together will grow closer. This, in turn, has a team-building effect.
5- Increased Loyalty
One additional benefit of travel incentives is that they can drive employee loyalty. Once an employee earns a travel experience, they may be less inclined to move to an employer that does not offer the same opportunity. This improved loyalty will manifest itself in the increased motivation to be an asset to their employer.
6- Rest
An employee who is stretched too thin will prove less effective over time. After an extended period of being overworked, employees will be eager for a break. The chance to relax and recuperate is an excellent reward. What’s more, a rested employee can return to work more motivated and productive.
7- Improved Well-being
Creating a travel incentive allows employers to enhance their employees’ well-being. Taking top earners from a dreary winter to a sunny haven can make a huge difference. Beautiful weather, sunlight, and enriching, active activities create happier, healthier employees. Health and happiness make for better attitudes, which in turn drive productivity and can boost sales.
Conclusion
Travel incentives are a great way to reignite an employee’s motivation. These trips have proven results: a well-constructed travel incentive program can increase productivity by 18%! (1) Not only that, it can produce a 112% ROI. (2) Travel incentives are an effective means of driving employee motivation, and this is good for your workers and your business.
Are you considering a travel incentive program? Reach out to Gavel International to help plan a program that maximizes your budget and results in raving reviews from attendees.
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SOURCES:
1. http://theirf.org/research/measuring-the-roi-of-sales-incentive-programs/175/
2. Ibid.
This article was last updated on June 12, 2025
