Atlas Meetings + Incentives Rewards Programs Fit All Budgets

MILFORD, Mass., March 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Atlas Meetings + Incentives has a different attitude toward corporate incentives programs than most companies.  Their belief is that giving cash does not incentify a sales team or work force because cash is too easily absorbed into a bank account and is soon forgotten.  An effective incentive program should use promotions and offer awards that are memorable.  

"Communication is a key component of any sales incentive or reward program and boosts its value and makes it truly special," said Jennifer Vecchi, Director of Individual Incentives and Recognition Programs for Atlas Meetings + Incentives.  "By promoting the program through teasers and monthly scorecards, and reminding them of deadlines and rewards, it engages employees and keeps the excitement levels high.  As a result, the program drives results. Studies have proven that incremental sales are higher with a formal promotion program than without."

Ms. Vecchi adds, "Many companies either give cash or they eliminate their incentive programs when money gets tight, but having an incentive program is more important than ever in a down economy.  Keeping employees motivated during times of uncertainty is the best way to position a company for an economic recovery.  That's why we've developed a two-tiered approach that can adapt to any company's budget, because it doesn't have to cost a lot of money to have an effective incentive program."

Cost-effective Travel Incentives Avoid Payroll Tax Bite

One of the most highly effective rewards is travel.  Atlas's Great Escape Awards provide the recipient with the opportunity to enjoy a custom-tailored travel experience that suits their interests and style of travel.  Unlike its more popular counterpart, the group incentive trip, individual travel awards are desirable because they are flexible and the recipients travel when and where they want.  The awards are extremely cost effective because they are not subject to the same payroll taxes as cash awards.  Individual travel awards are ideal for small companies that can't afford the time and/or cost of a group trip. While most Great Escape Awards are between $1,000-$5,000, it's not uncommon for a weekend getaway valued at $500-750 to be equally effective in driving desired behavior.

"When special care is given to recognizing that the employee is, say, an avid golfer or a big supporter of the local zoo, the incentives can be personalized rewards and that drives the greatest results," said Ms. Vecchi.

Budget Minded Incentives with Lasting Value

For companies with an even tighter budget, Atlas's Big Splurge Awards are another solution.  These awards usually range from $250-$500. Travel is an option, but recipients may also choose gift cards from retailers or e-tailers.  By picking a gift card they like, they are buying a long lasting memento of their success without the restrictions of catalogs. "The desirability of both awards lies in the options available to the recipient and the lack of an expiration date. Recipients who compete in quarterly awards usually prefer to accrue several awards before committing to a trip," Ms. Vecchi adds.  

While both award tiers are most often used in conjunction with sales contests and incentive programs, they are also effective tools for employee recognition, loyalty marketing programs, performance improvement initiatives, service awards, retirement gifts, and sweepstakes prizes.

About Atlas Meetings + Incentives

Atlas Meetings + Incentives, a division of Atlas Travel International, specializes in meeting planning, group travel awards and individual travel awards.  From the initial planning stages of a project through final evaluation, Atlas Meetings + Incentives focuses on not only meeting client needs, but actively working with them to generate new ideas.  For more information visit their website at www.atlastravel.com or call (508) 488-1119.  

SOURCE Atlas Travel International