At Motivation Excellence, we take our responsibility in the incentive industry seriously and believe sustainability should support performance, not distract from it. Our role isn’t to define sustainability for our clients; it is to help them make thoughtful choices that align with their goals, their people, and the communities they touch. This shows up in how we operate, how we design programs, and how we partner. Sustainability is a passion point for many on our team, and we enjoy hearing about new ways (big and small) that make meaningful differences in our daily lives and our industry.
Leading with Purpose in Our Industry & Community
O
ur sustainability committee crafted a Vision Statement to guide us with intentionality as we make choices that affect our corporate headquarters, our company culture, and the incentive programs we run:
We recognize our role in shaping sustainability practices within the broader incentive industry. We are committed to integrating sustainable principles into our core operations, ensuring that our environmental and cultural footprint not only meets the highest standards but also makes a positive contribution to our industry and the communities where we work and reside.
We have a living moss wall in our shared workspace designed to help purify the air, regulate temperature and reduce stress.
We prioritize using reusable kitchen items over plastic. You’ll always find clean dishes, mugs, plates and glasses in our cupboards.
our four sustainability pillars
What Matters Most to Us
Guided by our sustainability committee and input from across our team, we identified four focus areas that reflect our values and where we believe we can make an impact. These pillars help us stay grounded in what matters most, internally, and with our clients.
Here are the four pillars most important to us:
Pillar 1
Waste Reduction at Events
Reducing waste is one of the most practical ways we can ease our carbon footprint within our office and on our incentive travel programs (without compromising the experience).
We focus on meaningful reductions, not symbolic gestures, which include:
- Reducing or eliminating single-use plastic at our headquarters
- Identifying opportunities to reduce landfill waste
- Listening to client requests for eco-friendly initiatives and pairing that with vendor partners who can deliver
- Using Inspire (our proprietary travel app) to limit paper products, like on-site agendas and handouts
Pillar 2
Promoting Well-Being & Work-Life Balance
We believe supporting well-being and work-life balance is essential for a sustainable workplace culture. Internally, we focus on:
- Events committee-led well-being initiatives
- Management buy-in for eco-friendly practices
- Colleague support promoting well-being first
Externally, we encourage:
- Intentional planning with clients from rules to on-site events & travel programs
- Incorporating optional wellness activities in event experiences
- Travel pacing that minimizes fatigue
Pillar 3
Sustainable Sourcing Using Eco-Friendly Materials
Sustainability for us is about making informed choices, sometimes about small details, but always with the bigger picture in mind.
At our office that includes:
- Sustainable and vegan office furniture
- 100% recyclable ceiling tiles
- LED motion-activated lighting
- Carbon Neutral Floors™
- A living moss wall
- Washable plates, glasses & flatware
- Recycled barn-roof coasters
With our travel partners it means:
- Being deliberate in asking our suppliers about their eco-policies
- Offering sustainable alternatives when they align with program goals
- Prioritizing hotels, transportation & venues with eco-friendly options when it matters to our clients
- Choosing local vendors when appropriate
Pillar 4
Supporting Community Give-Back
Our team is committed to supporting local and national organizations through meaningful give-back initiatives. Internally, that means:
- Supporting dozens of employee-selected charities through our Snack for Charity initiative
- Adopting families for the holidays, providing full meals at Thanksgiving & presents at Christmas
- Participating in group volunteering events where we live & work
- Fundraising for teammates experiencing a crisis
- Contributing to efforts led by the hospitality industry non-profit The Above & Beyond Foundation
With clients, we can incorporate:
- Intentional eco-friendly planning for events
- Thoughtful give back elements that enhance the experience rather than distract from it
- Group volunteering opportunities that align with the destination & company priorities
- Participating in client-led fundraising and volunteering efforts
- Donation-based gatherings tied to shared goals
Work with an Incentive Partner that Values Sustainability
Sustainability looks different for every organization. When it comes to incorporating it into our incentive programs, we start by listening. When it supports your business goals, we help integrate responsible choices into your program without sacrificing impact, engagement, or results. No “check the box” initiatives, just smart decisions that align with what matters most to you.
