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The Pitfalls of Skipped Assessments: Why Top Performers Need Consistent Oversight

For many brands, maintaining top performance at every location is a constant challenge. To reward high performers, some companies implement "skip programs," allowing well-performing locations to skip their next scheduled assessment. Their assumption is simple: consistent performers don’t need as much oversight. However, data shows this approach can backfire.

Most brands adopt skip programs as a cost-saving measure. Faced with budget cuts, they aim to preserve the overall program by reducing visits to top-performing locations rather than cutting the program entirely. While the motivation is understandable, this strategy often undermines long-term performance by removing the oversight and reinforcement that help sustain high standards.

The Risks of Skipped Visits

Recent analysis highlights a significant issue with skip programs—brands that skip visits for high-performing locations often experience a score decrease. This is accompanied by significantly more 1st, 2nd, and 3rd priority issues during the next assessment after the skipped visit. This decline isn’t random.

Without regular oversight, even top-performing locations can lose focus on executing standards, resulting in “standards drift.” The consistency and rigor that yield strong performance begin to fade, impacting everything from customer satisfaction to food safety compliance. The insight from this: a regular cadence of assessments maintains focus and good discipline that are essential to consistent performance, even among your best locations.

Top performers skipped round chart

Impact on Brand Standards and Food Safety

Execution on all standards is built on consistency. Skipping visits sends an unintended message to employees: adherence to standards can be flexible. In reality, food safety and brand standards require constant oversight. A skipped visit means fewer opportunities to catch minor deviations before they become larger issues. Even well-intentioned employees may struggle to uphold standards without regular accountability. For brands in the food industry, a lapse in oversight can lead to serious food safety risks, potentially jeopardizing customer health and damaging reputation.

Related: Thoughts on Announced Assessments

Alternative Cost-Reduction Strategies Without Sacrificing Oversight

While skip programs may reduce immediate costs, there are smarter alternatives to achieve cost savings while maintaining consistent oversight. Brands can consider the following approaches:

  1. Reduce Scope for Top Performers
    Limit assessments to “critical walks” or prioritize only the most pressing issues (P1 focus) for top-performing locations. This approach ensures oversight remains targeted and efficient.
  2. Combine Assessments
    Execute multiple types of evaluations—such as food safety assessments and internally managed operational excellence reviews—during the same visit. This consolidation reduces redundancy and maximizes resources.
  3. Leverage Outsourced Services
    Utilize cost-effective outsourcing for non-core assessments like construction/remodel evaluations or price accuracy checks. Shameless plug: Steritech’s capabilities can offer specialized services at a lower overall cost than internal programs.
  4. Flexible Assessment Frequency
    Consider adjusting visit frequency for top performers rather than eliminating visits entirely. For example, extend intervals slightly while retaining regular oversight to prevent standards drift.

Alternative Ways to Recognize High Performers

In addition to cost-saving measures, recognizing and rewarding excellence is essential. Here are effective alternatives to skipping visits:

  • Incentive Programs: Offer bonuses or acknowledgment for consistently high scores.
  • Advanced Training Opportunities: Provide exclusive learning or leadership development for high performers.
  • Public Recognition: Celebrate achievements in newsletters, meetings, or company-wide communications.
  • Engagement in Business Development: Involve top performers in developing training standards or SOPs, leveraging their success to elevate overall brand execution.

Explore strategies for implementing SMART corrective actions

Avoid Slipping from Skipping

Skip programs may appear to be efficient and cost-saving, but the data shows they can ultimately compromise brand performance. Consistent oversight is not about distrust; it’s a commitment to sustaining excellence. By focusing on smarter strategies that reduce costs without sacrificing visits, brands can ensure that their high standards are not only met but continually improved. Recognizing top performers through thoughtful, value-driven initiatives reinforces a culture of excellence while maintaining accountability and consistency.

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About Steritech

Since 1986, Steritech has been a trusted assessment and consulting partner that helps multi-location businesses drive operational consistency, mitigate risk, and accelerate growth.

Our 450 Specialists serve nearly 135,000 individual locations across food, retail, hospitality, and consumer services. The derived data and insights allow organizations to benchmark against best practices, improve performance, and deliver consistent, high-caliber brand experiences.

For more information on Steritech's services, approach, technology, and how we can help your organization boost your bottom line with operational insights, contact our team of experts here.

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