Awards Network now offering referral and wellness incentive program solutions 12 October, 2008 By Vanessa Ho

"Referral and wellness incentive programs are essential tools for managers looking to solidify a desired culture at their organization," said Amy Trueblood, an account manager with Awards Network. "And in unsure economic times it takes a bit of creative thinking to ensure that both your employees and customers are aware of how much you value them

With Awards Network custom design capabilities, clients are offered print or online based incentive award programs. Dedicated account managers work one-on-one with clients to ensure that all deadlines and expectations are met to ensure these programs are implemented properly.

"A majority of my new and prospective clients are looking for online solutions that engage and motivate employees and customers and really make them active participants in the referral and/or wellness incentive arena," noted Trueblood.

In terms of referral incentive program recession-proofing a business, Trueblood explained that they fosters brand loyalty among employees and customers in order to decrease marketing and recruiting costs while increasing retention among both groups as well. Employee health and wellness incentive programs are set up by managers looking to increase employee wellness and therefore reduce long term healthcare insurance premiums, absenteeism and healthcare co-payments. Along with these benefits, these programs help to increase retention and profits while at the same time boost employee motivation and morale.

Other tangible benefits include lowered training costs, increased job satisfaction and productivity gains.

Trueblood noted that when employees are happy at their jobs, their excitement and enthusiasm is conveyed to customers. When excitement can be generated around an incentive program, employees become participants; customers become agents of referrals; and overall engagement among the organization, employees and customers transitions from a possibility into a reality.

"Communication is a large part of this process and the most successful incentive programs that I oversee are the clients who target their audiences appropriately and gather feedback to grade its success and tweak the program on a regular basis," she added.

Companies implementing these programs are usually looking to engage employees and/or customers with incentive awards. However, the flexibility of Awards Network incentive programs makes it easy to target a variety of other groups including dealerships, channel partners and volunteers as well.

Currently, Awards Network hosts over 1000 customized incentive programs and there is a three step process in order for companies to take advantage of the company's customized incentive programs. The first step is planning where the Awards Network account management team and client program administrators solidify program goals and requirements, determine user account groupings and reporting/analytical needs and plan program kickoff and communication vehicles.

Step two is creating an incentive program that utilizes client design specifications and program information. Awards Network Account Managers complete the customized website layout and printed material design and present it to the client for approval. User accounts are created and uploaded, reporting requests are scheduled and any necessary administrative training for program administrators is completed.

The final step is implementation where the website and user accounts are activated, the program kicks off and account information along with program goals are presented to participants so that they may begin participation.

Based on the number of initial program participants and the program features each client decides to utilize, Awards Network will quote a one-time set up fee for each client. The set up fee includes all program customization and web design, user account creation and administration and reporting and analysis throughout the duration of the program.

Awards Network Account Managers will also provide reporting and analytical review along with suggestions on how to keep the program relevant and accessible to all participants.