IRF 2025 Trends Report
This report highlights 2025 incentive trends, focusing on budgets, evolving priorities and non-cash rewards driving performance.
Summary
As we enter 2025, incentive professionals are focused on budgets, cost reductions, and efficiencies, after inflation and rising costs caused a great deal of uncertainty in 2024. Incentive programs and rewards will also see significant shifts in response to evolving corporate priorities, changing audience preferences, and the need for something new. What remains consistent is that incentives continue to be an effective tool that businesses are using to gain competitive advantage. According to Driving Growth Through Total Rewards, human resources and sales executives see a very clear role for non-cash reward and recognition, primarily in impacting employee performance and driving overall business outcomes.
- Expansion of Rewards
- Shifts in Merchandise Spend
- Desire for New Locations for Incentive Travel
- Cruise Appeals to Attendees and Planners Alike
- Increased Use – and Understanding – of AI
- Gift Cards Fit into Fluctuating Budgets
- Sustainability Considered a Long-Run Challenge
- Gen Z and Millennials are Changing the Game
- Industry Talent Concerns
