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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.
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.
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
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:
In addition to cost-saving measures, recognizing and rewarding excellence is essential. Here are effective alternatives to skipping visits:
Explore strategies for implementing SMART corrective actions
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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