STAR Awards Purpose

Course: STAR Awards and Recognition

The Macy’s STAR Awards Program recognizes colleagues whose performance, service, teamwork, leadership, or contributions demonstrate company values and exceed normal job expectations.

Why STAR Awards Matter

• Reinforce Macy’s values and service expectations.
• Recognize specific accomplishments, not routine job duties alone.
• Celebrate contributions that support customers, colleagues, or business objectives.
• Create a consistent and respectful recognition process.

What Makes a Strong Nomination?

• Correct nominee information, department, location, and employee ID details.
• Appropriate award category or recognition level.
• A clear description of the colleague’s contribution.
• Specific examples of actions taken and results achieved.
• Explanation of how the contribution exceeded normal expectations.
• Required approvals or supporting documentation, when applicable.

Reviewer Focus

Reviewers evaluate nominations consistently and objectively.

• Is the nominee eligible?
• Is the award category appropriate?
• Does the nomination describe a specific accomplishment?
• Does the contribution exceed routine responsibilities?
• Are the facts complete, professional, and understandable?
• Is the requested award level supported?

Activity: How Vendors Work with Macy’s

Vendors may interact with Macy’s colleagues and may observe service, teamwork, or problem-solving that supports Macy’s business objectives. Any recognition information must still follow Macy’s STAR Awards review standards.

Activity Goal

Determine whether vendor-related examples provide enough detail to support a STAR Award nomination.

Activity Instructions

1. Read each vendor-related example.
2. Decide whether the example is complete enough for review.
3. Identify what additional information is needed, if any.
4. Decide whether the nomination should be accepted, returned for correction, or rejected based on program requirements.

Scenario 1

A vendor states that a Macy’s colleague “was very helpful during a delivery issue.”

Discussion Questions

• Is this specific enough to support an award?
• What actions did the colleague take?
• What was the result for the customer, vendor, store, or team?

Likely decision: Return for correction. More specific details are needed.

Scenario 2

A vendor explains that a colleague identified a shipment discrepancy, coordinated with the department manager, located replacement merchandise, and helped prevent a customer order delay.

Discussion Questions

• Does the example describe a specific accomplishment?
• Does it show impact on customers, colleagues, or business objectives?
• Are approvals or supporting documentation required?

Likely decision: May be acceptable if eligibility, award level, and required approvals are confirmed.

Confidentiality Reminder

• Do not share nomination information outside the authorized review process.
• Use vendor input only as appropriate supporting context.
• Reviewers must apply Macy’s eligibility, award category, and approval requirements.

Key Takeaways

• STAR Awards recognize contributions that exceed normal job expectations.
• Strong nominations include specific actions, results, and connection to Macy’s values or objectives.
• Incomplete nominations should be returned with clear, respectful instructions.
• Approval means the nomination meets program requirements.
• Recognition decisions must remain consistent, objective, and confidential.