Coverage Heroes

This template includes a first_to_target contest setup for location teams, with a target of 25 open-shift pickups and a 14-day duration. It uses verified metric scoring from shift.open_shift_picked_up events, so the standings update from real shift coverage activity rather than manual entry. The prize type is a badge, which keeps the format simple and recognition-focused.

Use it when you want locations to compete on filling open shifts quickly and fairly. It works well for multi-site operations where each site can influence its own coverage, such as retail, healthcare, hospitality, and field service. Because the contest is location-based, it is better for site-level accountability than for individual employee ranking.

This template is built for a short episodic contest, not an always-on leaderboard. A 14-day run is a good fit because it creates urgency without dragging on after the initial push. If open-shift volume is very high or very low, you can adjust the duration or target so the race still feels winnable.

As configured, it is a raw first-to-target race, so it works best when locations have similar staffing needs or similar access to open shifts. If your sites vary widely in size, you may want to customize the format or use a per-capita approach in a different contest template. The key is to avoid setting a target that only the largest site can realistically reach.

Only verified shift.open_shift_picked_up events count toward the standings. That makes the contest resistant to Goodhart’s law because it rewards the actual behavior you want: people claiming open shifts. It does not rely on subjective manager scoring or manual totals.

Yes. The template is a starting point, so you can change the target_value, duration_days, or prize type to match your staffing goals. If 25 pickups is too easy or too hard, tune the target to the normal volume of open shifts at your locations. The best target is one that creates a visible race without ending too quickly.

Announce the contest as a location race with one clear rule: every verified open-shift pickup moves the site closer to 25. Make sure managers know whether the contest ends immediately when a site hits the target and whether the badge is for the winning location or the people who helped it get there. Keep the explanation short and repeat it in the same language across all sites.

A leaderboard is usually open-ended and can keep the same winners on top forever. Coverage Heroes is a time-boxed contest with a finish line, which makes it more motivating and easier to communicate. The end condition matters because people can see progress toward a concrete outcome instead of an endless ranking.

The biggest mistakes are using a target that is too high, running it too long, or mixing in manual counts for something the platform already tracks. Another common issue is forgetting that this is a location contest, so the messaging should focus on site coverage rather than individual competition. Keep the scoring tied to verified pickups and the contest stays clear and credible.