Incentive awards, plans programs

Although lotteries and contests can be a fun and positive way to provide additional awards, they sometimes create problems because of the competition and danger of hurt feehngs. Some contests can be effective, however, especially in some of the support programs discussed in Chapter 23. Figure 11.10 compares the features of contests, recognition programs, and incentive compensation plans. 

But, two events finally motivated me to write this book. The first was an initiative called the Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grants funded by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, apart of Health and Human Services. These grants started in fiscal year 2004. They are awarded to states and are for 2.35 million a year for 5 years. Nineteen states were funded in fiscal year 2004, 5 in fiscal year 2005, and 12 to 15 more are planned for fiscal year 2006. These grants are designed to help states and communities develop and implement comprehensive, evidence-based prevention programs and strategies. 

Cash awards should be avoided, especially when large amounts of cash are being used for awards. Don t misunderstand me, cash has its place. For certain members of the team, it may be the only acceptable incentive. But for safety awards programs, cash is not the best incentive. So, the lucrative incentive plans described in the beginning of this chapter need to be adjusted. We need to remove the lucrative cash awards and replace them with more reasonable awards such as articles of clothing. 

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