Housewares enjoy high redemption as part of reward and incentive programs. Find out more about this trend, and how form and function—plus a little convenience—make a big impact.

For this issue, we gathered a group of experts to talk about the ins and outs of global incentive programs.

Incentives and rewards can work as powerful motivators to bring about changes and results you're looking for. But what happens when the program doesn't work the way you expected?

Rewards are effective business tools, but combining them into meaningful packages can help build even more excitement.

If you're looking to have a cutting-edge relationship with customers and other stakeholders, it might be time to get your game on.

You might think that cash would be the most highly valued reward you can offer. But, non-cash rewards pack more of a punch.

To learn more about the latest trends in merchandise incentives, we turned to members of the Incentive Manufacturers and Representatives Alliance (IMRA).

Electronics never fail to top the list of most-desired products for incentive program participants. We’ve captured the latest trends and products, as well as the tried and true, and offer you this roundup.

As the economy sputters toward recovery, more and more dissatisfied workers are considering their options. Ensuring your top performers remain engaged—and employed—with your company is key.

You might not have imagined it a decade ago, but nowadays, social media is where Americans spend most of their Internet time. That’s why recognition that employs these tools is a smart strategy.

Do you know which part of your business is most crucial to the continuing value of your brand? It’s your employees, and there are ways to ensure they are consistently delivering on the brand promise.

Incentive companies have been going back to their roots, revisiting and reevaluating their relationships with their partners. As it turns out, traditional distributors offer compelling value that beats out the competition.

Cameras offer wide appeal for your incentive program audience, with options for casual photographers to those who want to get more professional with their shots. Learn more about the latest trends in this ever-evolving area.

Gift cards are an extremely popular choice for inclusion in incentive and reward programs. We talk with experts from the Incentive Gift Card Council to learn more about what drives this trend, and how you can use gift cards to great effect.

When you're ready to start including gift cards in your incentive and rewards programs, look no further than our directory of IGCC members—all experts who can help you drive results.

For many businesses, safety is mission-critical. And smart professionals know that safety incentive programs can make a big difference.

Advances in neuroscience and behavioral economics have taught marketers a lot about driving engagement—both external and internal. Learn more about translating marketing practices to benefit employee performance.

Incentive companies have been going back to their roots, revisiting and reevaluating their relationships with their partners. As it turns out, traditional distributors offer compelling value that beats out the competition.

Watches continue to hold their own as a top choice for rewards and incentives, because they epitomize trophy value.

When you apply creativity and a deep understanding of your audience to your business gift program, you can come up with a cost-effective campaign that generates goodwill, along with loyalty.

Recognizing employees for their efforts is crucial to build long-term engagement and deliver peak performance.

Change is almost a constant in business these days, but that doesn’t mean your employees and partners are able to roll with it. Organizations need to do more to help people respond to change initiatives.

Sales contests can have unintended consequences if you don’t get the planning done right. Learn more about how to put together this type of program to drive higher performance in your sales professionals.

What’s the best way to build engagement and create a personal connection with employees? Find ways to create human moments throughout the span of each workday.

Why do consumer trends matter? Because they are the key to ensuring full engagement in your program, and to keep redemption rates high. Your rewards should mirror current trends to generate the most value.

The Brightest Collection of New Products To Be Exhibited at The Motivation Show in Chicago—October 23 to October 25, 2012

Employees might tell you that what they really want is cash, but research shows that when it comes to effective rewards and incentives, merchandise is a far more powerful solution.

P.I.P. Magazine gathered experts in employee engagement to discuss the most recent developments in this cornerstone of your business strategy.

From getting everyone outside to play to getting employees to commit to a lifetime of fitness, recreation and sporting goods are a useful tool in your incentive and reward lineup.

For a rewards program to be successful, buy-in is essential—from the leaders at the top to the workers in the trenches.

To make your rewards more memorable, more exciting, more customized and completely unforgettable for the recipient, take some advice from experts across the premium incentive marketplace.

If you want your business gifts to make an impact, think outside the box. There are plenty of ways to make your business gifts an even more effective way of saying thank you.

The Incentive Marketing Association is a force to be reckoned with, providing education to suppliers, manufacturers and more in the incentive market, and helping to guide planners to successful programs.

With airlines layering fees upon fees, travelers are looking to simplify and streamline their experience. Luggage that is lightweight and easy to maneuver can make a big difference.

Incentive programs have wide-ranging applications. Wellness programs that aim to improve employee health are increasingly incorporating incentives, including merchandise, to ensure their effectiveness.

With the federal government focused on the deficit, all tax breaks are on the table for potential cuts, including breaks for safety and years-of-service awards. Learn more about the issues.