The statement "Our people are our greatest asset" is so overused it mostly causes eyes to roll. Aside from those who don’t like people being called assets, the statement is mostly met with disgust because it’s a reliable red flag that a company is all platitudes and no gratitude. If the global pandemic increased managers’ awareness of the importance of making it clear to employees how much they are valued, the statistics don’t show it. According to a 2022 Gallup Poll, 54% of Gen Z employees, slightly higher than any other generation, are ambivalent or not engaged at work. Only 32% of workers overall say they are engaged with their work. A livable wage and meaningful work are two key factors for workplace engagement. After that, recognition is vital, and currently, only 23% of employees strongly agree they get the right amount of recognition for the work they do. Think about that! Nearly three-quarters of employees are missing the steady reinforcement and appreciation they need to help them be their best. And employers are missing out on benefits of fielding a work force that feels appreciated. Our annual Ultimate Guide to Non-Cash Incentives explores the benefits of workplace recognition beyond a paycheck and offers ideas about how companies can improve in this area. It also features key suppliers in four non-cash incentive categories - merchandise, gift cards, travel and experiences, and incentive solution providers. Even if you’re in the minority of companies that get recognition right, it can’t hurt to have more insight into this key component of staying competitive.

It’s 2024 - Are You Comfortable with Your Technology Prowess? CRM, CMS, AI… The acronyms alone that are attached to the technology tools used in B2B sales and marketing are enough to make your head spin. The latest Focus Report from Sales & Marketing Management looks at developments in key areas of tech usage, including marketing technology (martech) trends, technology for training and cloud-based content management solutions (CMS). Staying on top of sales and marketing technology trends is essential to remain competitive in today’s B2B sales environment. We stay connected with the experts whose job it is to monitor these trends. Our Focus Report, "Tuning In and Turning On: Maximizing Technology in an Ever-Changing B2B Sales World," is part of this ongoing effort.

In March 2020, business as usual ceased to exist. Our first report on managing during a pandemic includes insights on how to lead in uncertain times and whether selling during a global crisis is even a good idea. Other topics: Tips for better virtual meetings Marketing agility during a crisis How subscription models can help companies weather tough times