There is an old expression that suggests that killing two birds with one stone is wise, even if it does sound a little graphic. In the modern era a business equivalent of that translation might be offering top employees the chance to go work on an all-inclusive cruise. Here’s how it works:

• Many companies are now hosting meetings at sea, and that in turn means that companies usually need to have staff members and some of the top brass on the trips. Who better to bring than some of the company’s better employees?
• Choose better employees with a contest that uses set metrics to determine who gets to go and who gets runner up prizes. Runners up should get something reasonable to keep them motivated.
• Make sure to let different departments compete for spots whenever relevant but setting up different departments to compete for spots might be more difficult because it is almost certain to cause some complaining. Department A feels that the metrics they have to live up to are actually more difficult than they feel Department B’s metrics are. Not surprisingly, Department B feels that same way about Department A’s metrics. Avoid this by giving each department a set number of seats or slots.
• Remember that corporate travel expenses can generally be written off so long as they are working trips, so make sure to get proper receipts for the accounting department.

It is no surprise that employees are motivated to work harder, increase sales and productivity, and improve their performance when they know that their efforts will be rewarded. Everyone likes to feel appreciated and to know that their hard work does not go unnoticed, which is why it is so important for all companies to implement some type of employee appreciation or incentive program. Some companies offer merit raises, performance-based bonuses or branded merchandise as prizes, while others choose gift cards or cash awards. While each of these options has its own particular appeal, incentive travel truly is the best, most effective choice that is often much more appealing to employees.

Here are five reasons your company should choose incentive travel to motivate your employees:
1. Incentive travel – whether it is a two-week European adventure or a weekend trip to a nearby ski resort – is far more memorable than other incentive options and will have a longer lasting positive effect.
2. Cash and gift cards are nice, but incentive travel provides your employees with the opportunity to actually have new experiences and enrich their lives.
3. Depending on your industry and pay scale, the incentive travel you offer might actually be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for your employees.
4. Incentive travel, such as incentive cruises, is generally perceived to have a much higher value than the actual cost to your company.
5. Offering incentive travel is much more personal than handing out gift cards or branded merchandise and is a more meaningful expression of your appreciation.