STAR Awards and Recognition

Module: Nomination Requirements

Activity: How Rewards are Assigned

Learn how STAR Awards nominations are reviewed and how reward decisions are made.

Purpose of the STAR Awards Program

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

What Reviewers Look For

• Correct nominee name, department, location, and employee identification information
• Correct award category or recognition level
• Clear description of the colleague’s contribution
• Specific examples of the behavior or accomplishment
• Explanation of how the contribution supports Macy’s values, customers, colleagues, or business goals
• Required dates, results, approvals, or supporting documentation
• Confirmation that the nominee meets eligibility requirements

How Rewards Are Assigned

Rewards are assigned based on whether the nomination is complete, eligible, and supported by specific information.

• The reviewer confirms the nominee and nominator information.
• The reviewer checks that the award category and recognition level match the contribution.
• The reviewer verifies required documentation and approvals.
• The reviewer approves, returns, or rejects the nomination based on program requirements.

Reviewer Decision Questions

• Is the nominee eligible?
• Is the selected award category appropriate?
• Does the nomination describe a specific accomplishment?
• Did the contribution exceed routine job responsibilities?
• Are the facts complete and understandable?
• Is the requested award level supported by the contribution?
• Is additional information or approval required?

Approve the Nomination When...

• The nomination is complete and accurate.
• The nominee is eligible.
• The award category and recognition level are appropriate.
• The contribution is supported by clear examples.
• All required approvals and documentation are included.

Approval means the nomination meets program requirements.

Return the Nomination When...

• Required fields are incomplete.
• Employee identifying information is incorrect.
• The award category may not match the accomplishment.
• The nomination is too general or lacks a specific example.
• Supporting documentation is missing.
• The requested award level needs additional justification.
• A required manager or leadership approval is missing.

Reviewer Comments

Reviewer comments should be clear, respectful, and specific.

Approval Example

“Approved. The nomination provides a specific example of outstanding customer service and clearly demonstrates how the colleague exceeded normal performance expectations.”

Return Example

“Please provide a specific example of the colleague’s contribution, including what occurred, the actions taken, and the result achieved.”

Activity: Assign the Reward Decision

Read each nomination scenario and choose the correct action: Approve, Return for Correction, or Reject.

• Check whether the nomination is complete.
• Identify whether the accomplishment is specific.
• Confirm whether the award level is supported.
• Decide whether more information or approval is needed.

Scenario Example

A colleague calmly assisted an upset customer, listened to the concern, offered available options, and involved a manager when the issue exceeded their authority. The nomination explains the situation, actions taken, result achieved, and how the behavior supported Macy’s customer experience.

Decision: Approve, if all eligibility, category, documentation, and approval requirements are met.

Key Takeaways

• Rewards are based on complete, eligible, and well-supported nominations.
• Specific examples are required to support recognition.
• The award category and level must match the contribution.
• Incomplete nominations should be returned with clear correction instructions.
• Reviewers must apply program requirements consistently and respectfully.