The Hidden Cure for Employee Disengagement: Incentive Travel and In-Person Meetings Person Meetings

Gallup’s latest report reveals a troubling reality: employee engagement in the U.S. has dropped to its lowest level in nine years. This isn’t just a morale issue—it’s a business crisis, with disengagement costing the economy a staggering $1.9 trillion in lost productivity.

So, what’s driving this decline? And more importantly, how can we fix it?

THE PROBLEM: EMPLOYEES FEEL DISCONNECTED

Key Findings from Gallup’s Report

✔ Only 32% of employees are engaged—meaning two-thirds of the workforce is either checked out or actively disengaged.

✔ 18% are actively disengaged, a number that has steadily increased.

✔ Employees lack clarity on expectations and don’t feel their work aligns with their strengths.

✔ Manager relationships are weak, with employees feeling unsupported and disconnected from leadership.

✔ Company culture is struggling, particularly in remote and hybrid environments where employees feel isolated.

The result? Higher turnover, lower productivity, and a workforce simply going through the motions.

Organizations often respond by implementing new technology, restructuring teams, or launching virtual engagement initiatives. But these tactics ignore the core issue: employees are missing real, human connection.

The solution isn’t another software tool—it’s bringing people back together.

THE SOLUTION: INCENTIVE TRAVEL & IN-PERSON MEETINGS

1️⃣ Recognizing Employees Beyond a Paycheck

Employees want to feel valued, and Gallup’s report confirms that recognition is a top driver of engagement. While bonuses are great, experiences are more memorable and impactful.

✅ Solution: Implement incentive travel programs that reward top performers with meaningful experiences, strengthening their connection to the company. 85% of employees who earn an incentive trip feel more loyal to their employer.

2️⃣ Creating Meaningful Connections

A major driver of disengagement is the lack of strong relationships with managers and colleagues. Virtual meetings don’t build trust—face-to-face interactions do.

✅ Solution: Host live corporate meetings and retreats to encourage collaboration, build relationships, and strengthen company culture. These experiences break down silos and create a sense of belonging that remote work can’t replicate.

3️⃣ Reinforcing Purpose and Company Culture

Gallup’s data shows that employees who feel connected to their organization’s mission are more engaged. Yet many companies struggle to communicate their vision effectively in a remote setting.

✅ Solution: Use in-person meetings, leadership retreats, and strategic events to realign teams with company goals. An inspiring environment fosters deeper engagement than another virtual town hall.

4️⃣ Driving Performance and Motivation

Employees are most engaged when they have clear goals and meaningful rewards. Travel incentives provide a tangible, aspirational goal that keeps teams motivated.

✅ Solution: Implement performance-based incentive travel programs that encourage employees to reach new heights. Employees work harder when they know an unforgettable experience awaits them.

THE CALL TO ACTION: BRING PEOPLE BACK TOGETHER

Employee engagement isn’t a virtual problem—it’s a human problem.

Instead of relying on digital solutions, companies need to invest in experiences that bring employees together. Incentive travel and in-person meetings don’t just boost engagement; they build loyalty, improve performance, and create a culture where employees feel truly connected.

Ask Yourself:

💭 When was the last time your employees had a meaningful, in-person experience with their colleagues?

💭 Are you investing in engagement strategies that actually work, or just checking a box?

It’s time to stop treating disengagement as a remote problem—and start solving it in person.

Let's Talk!

References

• Gallup. (2024). Employee Engagement Sinks to Nine-Year Low. Retrieved from Gallup Workplace.

• Incentive Research Foundation. (2023). The Impact of Incentive Travel on Employee Engagement and Retention.

• SITE Global. (2023). How Incentive Travel Drives Employee Performance and Loyalty.