Incentive travel packages are implemented by organizations in order to drive employee behavior. However, it is not uncommon for these incentives to net the opposite results which can hurt the business. What are these mistakes and how can these be remedied?

1. The problem: The management does not include the stakeholders in picking the travel destination.

The solution: Whether the goal is to motivate members of an organization or its clients, program participants should be given the opportunity to pick the rewards. The participants of the incentive program will feel more recognized and appreciated if they become the focus.

2. The problem: The incentive travel program rewards salespeople who deliver the numbers while excluding other team members who facilitated the sales, including those who generated leads, researchers and marketers.

The solution: During the design phase of the incentive program, it is worthwhile to first evaluate which departments or team members actually need more motivation.

3. The problem: Upon receiving their rewards, the winners of the incentive travel program return to their normal routines without top management taking into account how the success of these members can fit into the larger overall scheme.

The solution: Incentives should be viewed not as quick solutions to generate the target results. Instead, they should be used to continue to motivate team members. The best way to achieve that is through communication, before and after the implementation of the program.

4. The problem: Management and employees agree upon the travel destination. But upon getting there, the winners find out that they cannot afford the costs associated with their stay there.

The solution: One crucial factor organizations must take into account is the age group of the participants. For example, younger team members may put a premium on adventure while senior members may have in mind an opportunity for relaxation as the ideal vacation. Before choosing the destination, it is imperative to know beforehand how much employees want to spend for a trip, and on what activities.

5. The problem: The goal your organization has set for the incentive program is to generate more sales. But once your team has delivered the numbers, you find out that your current stock of products cannot adequately meet the demand for these, which can potentially ruin your reputation among customers.

The solution: During the planning phase, make sure that realistic goals are set. On top of these, contingency plans should be hatched. While it may seem difficult to foresee the future, having a plan B can help cushion the blow against issues that may arise.