How to configure Point preferences

Point preferences in Kudos allow you to control how points are allocated, expired, and redeemed across your organization. These settings determine the allocation schedule, set expiry timelines for redeemable points, and decide whether users without a points allocation can still receive points with recognition. By setting clear preferences, you keep your recognition program running smoothly while aligning with budget goals and engagement plans.

Admins can manage these settings in the Preferences tab under Points, located in the Points & rewards section of the Admin panel. Changes apply organization-wide and can be updated at any time.

• Switching to a quarterly allocation schedule to simplify tracking and reduce admin work
• Setting yearly expiry to encourage redemption and limit liability
• Allowing users without allocations (like contractors) to receive points with recognition
• Testing allocation rules before a full rollout
• Reallocating points before a campaign

Setting up Points preferences

1. Go to Admin panel > Points & rewards > Points.
2. Select the Preferences tab.

Setting peer-to-peer point allocation period

1. Choose Monthly or Quarterly to determine when users’ points-to-give balances reset.
2. New points are allocated based on each user’s assigned rule.
3. To apply changes immediately, click Reallocate points now.

Defining redeemable point expiry

1. Choose Never, Quarterly, or Yearly.
2. If Quarterly or Yearly, users get an email reminder before expiry.
3. To expire all redeemable points immediately, click Expire points now.

Allowing or restricting users without allocations from receiving points

This setting applies to points received from any type of event or activity in the platform, such as recognition, awards, incentives or celebration events.

1. Enable to allow all users without a point allocation to receive points.
2. Disable to restrict all users without a point allocation from receiving points. Redeemable points already received will remain until the next redeemable points expiry cycle.

Note: Enabling/disabling this toggle will only come into effect at the next point allocation cycle, so users' points eligibility remains unchanged until then. 

• Use quarterly or yearly expiry to prompt timely redemption and manage liability.
• Reallocate points after updating allocation rules or restructuring teams.
• Consider allowing points for non-allocated users to keep recognition inclusive while controlling costs.
• Give advance notice before manually expiring points, this action can’t be undone.

Q: What happens when I reallocate points?
A: All unused points-to-give reset to the assigned allocation rule amount.

Q: Will users be notified before their points expire?
A: No, the system does not send automatic reminders before points expire. We recommend communicating expiry dates to your employees in advance so they have time to redeem their points.

Q: Can users without point allocations receive points with recognition?
A: Yes, if Allow users without allocations to receive points is enabled.

Q: Will users without a point allocation instantly become ineligible for points when I disable the toggle?
A: No. Enabling or disabling the toggle to Allow users without allocations to receive points only takes effect at the next point allocation cycle.

Q: Do expired redeemable points disappear from user history?
A: No. While expired points can no longer be redeemed, the transaction history remains available in the Transactions tab.

Problem: Users didn’t receive new points after an allocation cycle

• Check the next allocation date shown in the Preferences tab—points are only refreshed on this schedule.
• Confirm the user is included in at least one active allocation rule.
• Click Reallocate points now to manually refresh balances if needed.

Problem: Users lost their redeemable points unexpectedly

• Verify which expiration period was selected, this controls when points expire.
• Check the user’s transaction report to confirm the date and cadence of the last redeemable points expiry.

Problem: Some users can't be recognized with points

• Go to the Preferences tab and confirm “Allow users without allocations to receive points” is enabled.
• Check if the user is active on the platform and eligible to receive recognition.
• Review recent changes to point allocation rules or team assignments that may have excluded the user.

Problem: Allocated points don’t reflect recent changes to rules

• Point allocations update on the next scheduled cycle—changes made mid-cycle won’t apply immediately.
• Use Reallocate points now to apply changes sooner if needed.
• Double-check that rule updates were saved and linked to the correct teams.