CSR budgets are returning despite the recession as firms recognise the link between staff volunteering, employee engagement and healthy business results.

Incentives and bonuses play an 'essential role in levering business performance' - but they have to be aligned to HR strategy, according to HR leaders.

Sainsbury's executive reward manager, Leigh Harrison, was forced to admit her pay and rewards structure for top executives bears no correlation to its stated CSR credentials.

A new multi-store gift card fromThe Gift Voucher Shop (GVS) makes its appearance in the incentive and motivation market.

Autoglass has launched an employee long service programme to boost team morale.

Birmingham City Council will hold an awards ceremony to recognise the achievements of its employees in November

Business is all about being competitive and successful even when conditions are against us. To best achieve this we need our people to perform - and consistently perform - at a high level and remain...

With budgets tight, rewarding staff with a gift or incentive may require a little more thought than in previous years. But there are plenty of imaginative ideas out there.

Sky is rewarding staff for good performance with a music and entertainment festival.

Aviva is launching a new reward and peer recognition scheme so staff can nominate colleagues for additional perks to thank them for their efforts.

Almost two thirds of employers (64%) think incentives give a positive return on investment within their organisation but only 40% have a tactical plan for how they will use incentives this year.

Few employers can offer experiences such as balloon flights or exotic holidays in the current climate. Money-off vouchers now have wider appeal to cash-strapped staff.