In the new economy, many have scaled back their incentives and rewards. But luxury is more than a number of dollars. It’s an experience that can transform the way your workforce, partners and customers perform.

Want to ensure your long-term incentive program continues to be effective? There are several steps you must take at the beginning to get it right for the long haul.

Employee engagement initiatives can have a powerful impact on business performance. But translating that message into CFO-speak can be a tricky task.

Our gadgets and electronic devices have become essential to all aspects of our lives. That trend and others are affecting the electronics market now and in the coming year.

When the Great Recession hit, many companies looked for any cost to cut, and many incentive programs were eliminated or severely scaled back. Redefining incentives as an investment is essential.

Before you can motivate the masses and move your measures, you need to know what works—and what doesn’t. Working with IMRA members can help you get it right the first time.

Electronics remain at the top of the list of most coveted merchandise incentives. Find out what makes this segment so hot—and what’s on the cutting edge this year.

Most likely, your employees, partners and customers are using social media. Why not meet them where they meet up to help increase your motivating potential?

Companies that outperform their competition understand the critical importance of employee engagement. Find out how you can join their ranks by engaging and motivating your workforce.

A global economy presents new challenges for planners of incentive and reward programs. Don’t kick off your program until you understand the basics of boosting performance across boundaries.

While loyalty programs for travelers may have started with frequent flyer miles, those kinds of programs have become world travelers, and now offer rewards for customers in many markets. What can other industries learn from these programs, past and present?

While most households already have a digital camera, these essential-to-modern-life items enjoy high popularity in incentive and reward programs. Why? Because cutting-edge companies are always introducing new and innovative features that make upgrades highly desirable.

Gift cards continue to grow as a smart choice for incentives and rewards. Learn about the new trends that are shaping the way gift cards are used to motivate and reward.

In today’s business environment, an innovative workforce can make the difference between getting by and getting ahead. This month, we examine how incentives can help encourage creativity when you need it most.

While safety rewards have long enjoyed protection under tax laws, savvy professionals have been trying to work with Congress to expand the types of rewards that can be deducted when tax day comes. Learn more about their efforts.

While it might seem counterintuitive to limit choice in an incentive and reward program, there are good reasons for doing so.

Customer loyalty programs are popular throughout many industries, but some have been more successful than others. Learn how to maximize loyalty from an industry that’s mastered the art: gaming.

A contraction in budgets through the recession was expected, but as the dollars begin to return to business gift programs, companies are taking what they learned in tougher times and applying that money more strategically.

Watches continue to hold their position as a popular choice for awards and incentives. Far more than time-keeping devices, watches can serve as the ultimate trophy to showcase one’s achievements.

To ensure your vision for your company’s brand is reaching customers, you need to align all of your internal resources to deliver on that vision. If your employees aren’t living the brand, your customers will know.

As businesses evolve, so too do the tools they use to motivate their workforce, including sales reps. Learn more about the most recent changes.

Corporate social responsibility continues to hold sway over businesses small and large. But what does it mean, exactly? And why does it matter?

The "wow" factor makes your incentives powerful and meaningful. Unfortunately in today’s world, the commercialization of awards is diminishing the power of the "wow." Find out how you can deliver high-impact incentives despite this trend.

From a refining of celebrity chef offerings to single-serve coffee and bright colors, housewares continue to evolve to please new audiences.</p>

To ensure the success of any rewards program, it is crucial to ensure senior executives are on board—even ready to walk the talk of the program. Learn how to work with top leaders to make your program a hit.

When you offer recreation and sporting goods as potential rewards, you’re inspiring program participants with a chance to have some fun while focusing on a healthy lifestyle. It’s a win-win for all involved.

Many companies slashed incentive budgets and cut recognition at the nadir of the economic downturn. But there is a growing need to motivate and reward hard work, and that spells the beginning of an uptick in merchandise incentives.

A healthy workforce is more productive and less costly than the alternative, which is why many companies have begun to implement wellness programs. Find out how incentives and rewards can make these programs more effective.

While many in the industry have declared that the service award is dead, there is still a critical need to recognize, engage and reward employees. In fact, awards are not dead—they’ve simply evolved.

Corporate gifts, when done right, can be a huge boon for your business. Learn more about critical steps to take to ensure your gifts are appreciated and effective.

After Amazon left the incentive market in 2010, many wondered where the millions in incentive business would end up. Here, we examine how Amazon’s departure has led to new innovations in the industry.

With airline fees reaching astronomical heights, travelers are looking for luggage that can help them pass go without paying a hefty price. Learn more about the latest trends in luggage incentives.

Financial executives and other top brass often demand a hard accounting of the benefits of rewards and incentive programs. But in your quest to prove value, don't forget the benefits that are harder to quantify, but just as crucial to your company's success.

The Incentive Marketing Association and its various strategic industry groups is always one step ahead of the latest trends. Find out what's new with the association, and the industry.

While employee recognition is a well-known term, the extent of its role in motivating and retaining employees is a subject worth further discussion.

Experiential gifting helps leverage the emotional side of reward, recognition and loyalty programs. Learn more about how experiences can pay off in terms of motivation and engagement.