The overwhelming majority of staff like the concept of a person Incentive journey they’ll tackle their very own time to wherever they select. Their firms typically don’t really feel the identical.
“Some firms don’t wish to let go of the extent of management they’ve with group incentives,” mentioned Tracy Norum, senior director of incentives & engagement at Conferences & Incentives Worldwide (M&IW).
Within the Incentive Analysis Basis (IRF)’s Attendee Preferences for Incentive Journey report, 94% of respondents described particular person journey as ‘very’ or ‘extraordinarily’ motivating. The report discovered that the attraction of those journeys was constant throughout generations.
Particular person journeys have many positives: Winners can resolve after they wish to journey, and the expertise feels extra like a trip as a result of they’re not networking with colleagues and speaking store. Whereas group incentives normally permit winners to carry only one visitor, particular person incentives permit them to journey with their households.
Norum has discovered that this sort of journey appeals to a sure age group. “Our expertise reveals that Gen X is the highest demographic. They’ve spent most of their careers with group incentive journeys as the one possibility, so it is sensible {that a} extremely customized, unique reward would even be motivating.
“Particular person incentives will be extra inclusive with the potential of household journeys,” she mentioned. “Lots of our clients who supply pre-planned packages embody a Disney expertise or an journey journey for a household of 4.”
Corporations can embody particular touches — ‘enjoyable within the solar’ presents for Caribbean journeys, heat outerwear for colder locations, or wildlife pictures gear and safari necessities for journeys to Africa. The organizer books all journey and serves as the principle contact all through the journey.
On the highest stage, particular person incentives can include their very own concierge and embody luxurious experiences designed round attendees’ preferences. For instance, M&IW curated packages for a consumer within the meals service business that included the selection of a one-on-one wine tasting with a grasp sommelier, cooking a meal with a chef in his restaurant, or assembly the chef after eating at a Michelin-starred restaurant and receiving a signed cookbook.
“Simply because it’s incentive journey for people doesn’t imply that it’s not extremely curated,” mentioned Greg Byrnes, senior director, strategic accounts at One10. “It nonetheless replicates the elements of a particular journey that one couldn’t essentially plan on their very own. It most definitely wouldn’t be one thing that you may redeem with factors, as a result of these are usually pretty generic.”
Not for Everybody
Regardless of the attraction for people, firms nonetheless favor group journey, based on Andy Schwarz, vp, content material and communications, on the IRF.
“Particular person journey was extremely popular and obtained numerous consideration popping out of the pandemic,” he mentioned. “There’s extra of a deal with group journey now.”
Min Choi, govt vp and chief advertising officer at Germania Insurance coverage, mentioned his firm’s organized journey has confirmed to be more practical than particular person journeys. Roughly 50% of the attendees are repeat winners, and the journeys additionally permit them to create new relationships, and even friendships.
“These group excursions supply a better return on funding, allow us to acknowledge our prime performers extra successfully, and foster shared experiences that strengthen bonds,” he mentioned.
Group journeys additionally permit firms to create experiences that might be difficult for attendees to copy on their very own. “Whereas one can golf at most programs, a person traveler wouldn’t usually have the chance to take pleasure in dinner on the sixteenth gap overlooking the ocean,” he mentioned.
Attendees wouldn’t have to pay for something, even gratuities, to allow them to simply benefit from the expertise. There’s no want to fret about security considerations or concern of turning into misplaced in an unknown vacation spot.
“These journeys present attendees with a superb alternative to discover new areas,” mentioned Choi. “They will really feel assured understanding that they’re a part of a gaggle and that our journey workers has organized all the pieces.”
