Boards expect to be paid well, and they should be. Strong directors bring expertise, judgment, and reputational weight that companies compete hard to attract. A solid board member compensation package typically covers cash retainers, equity, committee fees, and travel reimbursement for the time directors spend showing up. If you own those...
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The IRS treats performance-based travel rewards as taxable compensation to the employee, regardless of whether the award is cash, merchandise, or travel. The fair market value (FMV) of the trip, covering airfare, lodging, meals, and related costs, must be included in the employee’s gross income.
Organizations that use travel as a recognition reward aren’t just thanking their people. They’re investing in them, and getting a compounding return on that investment every time the employee shows up at work.
The organizations that keep their best people for the long term have one thing in common: they’ve made a decision about what kind of workplace they want to be.
A growing number of leading sales organizations are recognizing this gap, and choosing to replace President’s Club group travel with individual luxury travel rewards. The results are better for earners, simpler for the teams running the program, and more powerful as a long-term retention and motivation tool.
The top incentive travel destinations for 2026 reflect evolving preferences toward authentic experiences, wellness focus, and adventure alongside luxury.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published on November 20, 2025. It was last updated on March 23, 2026. When it comes time to reward top performers, many companies default…
The best employee recognition programs are built on a simple belief: your people are the reason your organization exists, and the way you reward them should reflect that.
The companies building cultures people don’t want to leave share a common understanding: recognition isn’t a perk, it’s a practice. It’s the consistent, intentional act of showing employees that their contributions matter, not just to the bottom line, but to the people around them and to the organization’s identity.
Meaningful employee anniversary recognition isn’t about spending more. It’s about spending intentionally, on rewards that reflect the depth of what your people have given, and the commitment you have to the relationship continuing.