How to allocate points for Peer-to-peer recognition

Peer-to-peer point allocations allow you to empower employees and managers with a recurring balance of points they can give to recognize others. This flexible setup supports your company culture by enabling appreciation across teams and levels, without needing a top-down approach for every recognition moment.

With Kudos’ updated Points and Budget Management tools, admins can define multiple peer-to-peer allocation rules using dynamic and static team structures. Users receive points based on all the rules they match, and each rule contributes to an annual estimated spend, helping you stay on top of budgets and recognition strategies. You can also configure allocations based on the number of direct reports for managers and people leaders, ensuring leadership levels are funded fairly and consistently.

• Launching a new recognition program where everyone should have points to give
• Allocating higher amounts of points for managers or leaders, based on the size of their teams
• Ensuring part-time, contract staff, or specific departments receive tailored allocations
• Testing different point levels for pilot teams before broader rollout
• Scaling up an existing program to include new departments or offices

Setting up a new peer-to-peer point allocation rule

1. Navigate to Admin > Points and rewards > Points.
2. In the Peer-to-peer points section, click + Add rule.
3. Fill in the following details in the Add rule for peer-to-peer points panel:
   • Rule name and optional description
   • Number of points to allocate per user, or select allocation based on direct report count for managers/people leaders
   • Eligibility: choose Entire organization or limit to one or more Teams
4. Note the next allocation date when the rule will take effect.
5. Review the live count of eligible users at the bottom of the panel.
6. Click Save to apply the rule. It will appear in the overview table and be added to the Estimated annual spend.

Note: For managers and team leaders expected to also send recognition outside their teams, combine a base point amount with an additional amount per direct report. 

Managing multiple rules

• Review all rules being applied and monitor budget usage from the rules overview page.
• Users who qualify for multiple rules will receive the total of all allocations.
• You can link as many teams as needed to each rule.
• Changes made to existing rules will take effect on the next allocation date.

Reallocating points

1. Admins can trigger an immediate refresh of point balances using the Reallocate points now option.
2. This is especially useful after:
   • Adding or editing an allocation rule
   • Adjusting teams or reporting structures
   • Correcting allocations that didn’t apply as expected
3. When selected, all eligible users will instantly receive their updated allocation without waiting for the next scheduled cycle.

• Use Quick and Automated teams to auto-update rule eligibility based on org structure.
• Consider the direct report–based option for managers to dynamically and fairly scale allocations with team size.
• Monitor the Estimated annual spend to keep budgets aligned across all rules.
• Clearly label rules to avoid overlap or confusion between audiences.

Q: Can a user receive multiple point allocations?
A: Yes. Users receive the total of all point allocation rules they qualify for.

Q: How do allocations work for managers with direct reports?
A: Admins can set rules that scale based on the number of direct reports, ensuring leaders receive more points to recognize their larger teams.

Q: When do allocations refresh?
A: Based on your organization’s set frequency, monthly or quarterly. You can also use Reallocate points now to reset all allocations immediately.

Q: Which type of teams can be used for allocations?
A: All teams can be used to customize point allocations: manual, automated and even Quick teams.

Q: Can I see how many people each rule affects?
A: Yes. The eligible user count is displayed in real time in the setup panel and the rules overview table.

Problem: A user isn’t receiving points

• Confirm they’re in at least one team linked to an active allocation rule
• Check the next allocation date to ensure the rule has taken effect
• If urgent, use Reallocate points now to refresh their balance

Problem: A user is receiving too many points

• In the Point allocation balance of the user's Points summary, use View included allocation rules to review all allocation rules they belong to
• Check for overlapping teams across multiple rules
• Adjust point amounts or team assignments if needed

Problem: A new rule isn’t applying

• Confirm that the selected teams have active users assigned
• If needed, run Reallocate points now to apply changes immediately