Year-end bonuses and project incentives don't come in the form of a check at a small company in the Philadelphia region. Employees at Unreal Marketing Solutions, Inc. are more likely to get their rewards in American Express points.

Converting those points to a night at the ballet or a cruise to Alaska has proven to be a valuable incentive for employees, whether they've just put a major project to bed or worked diligently all year long. Best of all, Unreal can deliver those rewards without touching its budget.

"Using American Express Membership Rewards has helped Unreal meet two of its top goals: Show appreciation for our hardworking staff and keep personnel expenses in check," said Michael Stalbaum, CEO of this 40-person firm. "We find that employees place a higher value on a luxury-based reward rather than a check that would probably go toward a practical mortgage payment."

In addition to employee appreciation, Unreal offers American Express points to workers in exchange for health benefits. It's an attractive option for people whose spouses have coverage, and it relieves Unreal of a significant cost. Employees who take the offer get 1.5 times the value of their benefits in Membership Rewards points.

Unreal, a leader in online marketing services, has been an American Express Platinum customer for three years. Company expenses on the account accumulate thousands of Membership Rewards points each year. In 2005, Unreal distributed more than 1 million points to its employees. And 2006 looks even more promising.

Posted 10/10/06

Return