Dial Events

Are incentive events really worth it? 

Hands up who wants motivated, productive staff?

While it might be tempting in these belt-tightening times to cut back on incentive programmes, they really are worth their weight in gold, says Expotel

Whether you’re looking to boost employee motivation or reward top performers, incentive programmes provide a crucial opportunity to retain your best staff, spot future stars and encourage teamwork – meaning the expenditure is not only good for getting the best out of staff in the short term, but also for the company's bottom line in the long term.

Bonding the team

Incentive events where everyone is involved help bond co-workers, providing employers with a more effective team. “These events are great for team-building,” says Expotel’s sales and marketing director James Steventon. “It’s a great leveller, when everyone from the MD to the post-room staff gets involved.”

So, whether you’re embarking on a Military Fitness and Boot Camp at Macdonald Gisborough Hall Hotel in North Yorkshire or having a go at blo-karting (where go-karting and windsurfing meet head on), abseiling, or coasteering courtesy of the Blu Sky Thinking programme at the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel in Jersey, you’re all in it together.

Getting an insight

Incentives also provide essential insight for management, as they can reveal the company’s hidden gems.

“These kind of events also bring out people’s different sides,” James explains. “You can see all the basic behaviours, such as who has natural leadership ability, which can help with succession planning – ie, who’s going to be your top talent.

“You might also get the quiet one in the office making their voice heard – and what they have to say turns out to be great.”

Ruth Spellman, chief executive of the Chartered Management Institute, agrees, saying it’s crucial to retain and develop talented people. She says: “Staff are quick to move on if their organisation is not meeting their expectations.”

Motivating the many

So, incentive programmes can keep staff motivated, too, whether that’s rewarding those who have performed well, or inspiring those who haven’t.

News of a five-star trip to Europe with all the trimmings, a fun day out learning salsa/polo/cocktail-making/tank-driving or seeing the boss get their hands dirty building a bridge easily become the stuff of watercooler chat, if not company legend. And is there any greater motivation than envy?

What Expotel can do for you

“We can provide truly unique experiences that will suit all tastes and budgets,” says Expotel event executive Barry McTierney.

“For Capgemini’s outstanding achievers, Expotel arranged a three-day itinerary, including a trip on the London Eye, a theatre trip and a seven-course dinner at the Dorchester. But there are also many fun and affordable one-day options, too, from learning to play an instrument and performing in a symphony orchestra to having a go on a virtual Grand Prix game.”

If, like two thirds of those questioned in a survey by the Incentive Research Foundation, staying within your budget is a challenge, your Expotel booker can help come up with creative ideas without spending a fortune, says Barry.

The Expotel team will also take the hassle out of organising an incentive programme, not only dealing with booking hotels and transport, but running the event on-site, as well as providing a bespoke website to handle attendees' rsvps. “The investment with these events is miniscule, compared with the return you get,” James concludes.

Call the Expotel team on 0844 793 7300 or email them at: stconf@expotel.com for more details on incentive programmes

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