http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/08/business/08incentive.html?_r=1&ref=global
I am writing this post about the above article. The article is discussing the reemergence of vacation incentives for employees who contribute to the companies bottom line. This means that when an employee performs well, the company is awarding paid vacation trips. The question is: is this good motivation for employees?
I personally think that as an employee I would rather be awarded a financial incentive, or promotion rather than a paid vacation. For one, I think the vacation would not cost the company as much as they are claiming it would be worth. Somehow I feel as if the company would try and turn a profit, or at least save money by using this motivational tactic.
Secondly, I would feel uncomfortable being forced to take a designated vacation. Like I said before, I think that incentives are good motivation but only when they meet the needs and wants of the employee. Therefore I think that that “forced vacations” seem suspicious.
Companies are also downplaying their incentive programs in the press. The article claims this is an attempt to not appear too lavish. What do you think? Do you think paid vacation trips is a effective motivational tool? What incentives would you like to see as an employee?
