Where did the idea of GAGE come from?
The idea of GAGE came from the GAGE founder, Justin Henshaw. Justin is a former United States Marine and is a self-made serial entrepreneur and restaurateur of multiple businesses. When Justin started out in business after the military, he noticed the obvious struggles between employees and employers and he noticed the generational change that was happening within the workforce. He also noticed that there was no tool that properly rewarded and recognized good employees. So he sought out to create an employee recognition platform that actually mattered to the employee. A system that was Employee centric, NOT employer. GAGE was born.
View the following video to learn more about the founder’s story:
What is the Gage Score?
The Gage Score is the world’s first standardized score that measures performance, soft skills and overall employability of a person within the workforce. We’ve spent a lot of time honing and fine tuning Gage to making sure that it is the most accurate and fair score to represent someone’s employability. We do not disclose the specifics of the formula but we do make it clear as to what affects your score.
How are people viewing the idea of GAGE? Have you done any research?
We did an extensive survey with employees and managers in many industries. Our research shows that 97% of respondents between the ages of 15 to 27 view GAGE favorably.
Can someone delete information? Start over?
No, they cannot.
Is GAGE accessible in different languages?
Yes, the app is bilingual and can switch to Spanish in the app settings.
How is an employee's job history verified?
The way GAGE works is that an employee connects to a place of business upon hiring, thereby verifying employment. The business adds the employee to their Workspace, and the employee is sent a connection request. When the employee accepts, they are connected and the job is verified. The business and employee will remain connected until a termination or a 2-weeks notice is submitted and confirmed.
To learn more, view the following video:
If an employee is currently working two jobs, can they be managed by multiple employers at one time with feedback from both?
Yes. The system and algorithm is designed to account for someone either having one or multiple jobs. Meaning that someone can have multiple managers as well. So the employee can receive many sources of feedback, touchpoints and evaluations.
I have some great ideas for GAGE. How can I let you know my suggestions?
Absolutely, we want to hear from our customers! We are constantly evolving and growing, just like you. Please submit your feedback directly through the app or email us at support@GAGEwork.com.
Have you seen a percentage increase in productivity and retention since the GAGE launch?
Yes we have! We are constantly collecting data, analyzing our systems, and are excited to publish our findings. What we know now is that our system works best for employers and employees who integrate GAGE into their daily routines. If GAGE is properly adopted by an organization, productivity and retention will increase. Sign up for our mailing list at gagework.com to stay in the know.
How are businesses responding to Gage so far?
You can’t win them all but we are proud to boast 95% favorable feedback since we launched Alpha in Spring of 2022. We are always looking for ways to build a better workforce and welcome any and all feedback. Please send your suggestions and comments to support@gagework.com.
What is the biggest challenge to GAGE's effectiveness?
Engagement. At the end of the day, our platform is like all others, it only works if it is used. Once the business and the employee commit to using the system, they will be able to see and feel the results. GAGE will quickly become a part of a businesses’ culture and the employees' career journey.
Some people are motivated by meaningful work and others by money. How does GAGE key in on what each employee wants?
Why not both? We know that people are motivated by different things, however, we believe someone with a higher GAGE score has not only found meaning in their work, but has added significant value to themselves. Many business’ will pay more for someone they know they can trust and rely on. Typically a higher GAGE score translates to a higher paycheck.
Once a business signs up for GAGE, do you recommend or would you suggest making it a requirement for employment with that business?
A business decides how they wish to operate. It is not outside the norm for any business to require an app or platform for employment because it is the way they operate. Examples would be any maintenance, scheduling, or management tool that are commonly used. So, to make GAGE a requirement, those decisions are best left to the business and management. That being said, we don’t wish anyone to be forced to use GAGE. That is not our intent. GAGE is about rewarding those who do good, not punishing those that do bad. The cream will rise to the top and those will be the ones that embrace GAGE.
Would being a GAGE workplace help me attract new talent?
Yes! In fact, we have employees asking us which businesses are using GAGE. To meet this demand we are looking at creating a database of GAGE businesses. Stay tuned on that, but this makes sense doesn’t it? If an employee is going to work hard and there is a way to get credit for it… wouldn’t they seek that out?
Can I customize GAGE for my specific business?
GAGE has been built using proven, scientific data to best support measuring the top performance indicators in the workforce. We believe that GAGE is the new gold standard that any business could and should use to grow their people. GAGE is the perfect solution for a small company who needs a way to measure performance as well as a beautiful complement to already established systems in larger corporations. GAGE can be incorporated into any size businesses’ repertoire of tools for people development.
We are constantly evolving and growing, just like you, so if you have any suggestions we would love to hear them. Please email us at support@gagework.com.
How does the app manage termination of an employee?
Any termination, whether it be good or bad, is a quick process.
The manager of the employee terminates the employee via the App and submits a short, three question exit evaluation.
Learn more by viewing the following video.
If the GAGE record belongs to the employee, when they leave a business, is the employer left with a copy of the history and reviews since this takes the place of the dreaded file cabinet folder?
The employer keeps a record of any and all activity while the employee was employed by their place of business.
Have you had the situation where an employee refuses to participate or download the app on their personal device? How did you handle this?
We very rarely see any hesitation or refusals to participate. With that being said… GAGE is a voluntary system to participate in. We believe true change never happens when anyone is forced to do anything. The business and managers can use the system the same whether or not the employee accepts the invitation request. If and when the employee decides to participate, that information will connect to their profile and score.
Can edits be made in the case of Nudge errors etc. (for example, be removed or explained)?
Permanence and the inability to modify past actions is paramount to our system. The best way to undo the effects of a Nudge is to give a High Five.
Do you have an example where someone has had a score that is decreasing?
Yes, we have but there are also opportunities to increase the score.
How do you get the older, unchanging employees to use the platform?
Great question. To be sure, the younger generations are quicker to both use and love GAGE. It simply translates better to them. The older generations still come around, it just takes a little more time.
Do you feel that GAGE loses the face to face interactions?
How did you motivate employees to actually follow through with GAGE day in and day out?
It’s all about leadership and creativity of the managers within the business. Here is an example of how some or our business partners motivate their team members to use GAGE while using the system.
Incentive programs based on their score. For example, if someone gets into the 600’s, 700’s, and 800’s there is a reward, promotion or bonus. Special recognition. Think “employee of the month” but in a fair and quantifiable way.
Any push back from employees uncomfortable with having a grade or performance number that sticks with them?
There will always be a small minority of people that push back on this unique system. Our research and data show that it is less than 5%. And that is okay! GAGE is about rewarding those that do good, not punishing those that don’t. The competitive nature of GAGE will allow the cream to rise to the top. It is up to the other to participate or not.
What does GAGE do with my information?
GAGE does not sell or distribute any personal information.
How would you address security concerns when it comes to withholding private information?
Our GAGE system is very protected from a breach or illegal activity. We take the appropriate actions to always protect the integrity of our system.
Is there a way to perform a background check through the app?
Not currently, we are considering this for a future feature.
How do you confirm identity?
Currently we use a combination of mobile phone number, email and name. We do not collect social security numbers at this point, but we recognize that might be needed in the future.
What protection is there for the business from legal recourse by a disgruntled employee?
Legal exposure is mitigated by the fact that GAGE is a voluntary system. The employee has to voluntarily download, agree and accept to participate in this program. They also have to voluntarily agree and accept a privacy and EULA (End User License Agreement) when they download the app.
How does GAGE protect from fraud?
We are committed to the integrity of the GAGE system. Above all, GAGE needs to be a trusted source of information. We have several systems in place to protect against fraud. If you are aware of any situations of fraud you can report it to support@gagework.com.
How long after a team member resigns, does the manager have access to their GAGE profile and score?
If the employee submits a 2-week notice, the manager/admin has access to their profile and score until the exit evaluation is completed. Once the exit evaluation is completed the connection between employer and employee is severed.
Can the employee evaluate a manager?
Not at the moment. If you would like to see this feature, please submit your feedback to support@GAGEwork.com.
Can an employee report an abusive manager?
Yes they can. Learn more here:
Why do I need one more thing I am going to have to manage and that takes more of my time?
When used properly GAGE saves time. Managers save time by easy evaluations, instantaneous feedback with touch points and we will increase your retention, saving you time on hiring.
How long do I have to stay at a job to get a good score?
For proprietary reasons, we can’t disclose specifics of how the algorithm works. However, we can say that the longer you stay at any one job the better your score. It shows both your current and future employers your ability to commit. This is very valuable to employers. If you can show that you can commit to a job, you increase your value to them.
What if you can't get previous work verified?
You can add past work history; it just won’t be verified. Meaning that it won’t contribute to the score and have a GAGE verified mark on your work history.
How does the app manage termination of an employee?
Any termination, whether it be good or bad, is a quick process.
The manager of the employee terminates the employee via the App and submits a short, three question exit evaluation.
Learn more by viewing the following video.
How are you able to verify that someone actually fulfilled their notice given in GAGE?
Once a 2-week notice is submitted by an employee, their manager will receive the notice. At the end of the 2-weeks notice the manager will be prompted to submit an Exit Evaluation on the employee. The exit evaluation will confirm that the employee fulfilled their obligation.
To learn more, view the following videos:
How long after a team member resigns, does the manager have access to their GAGE profile and score?
If the employee submits a 2-week notice, the manager/admin has access to their profile and score until the exit evaluation is completed. Once the exit evaluation is completed the connection between employer and employee is severed.
Can the employee evaluate a manager?
Not at the moment. If you would like to see this feature, please submit your feedback to support@GAGEwork.com.
Can an employee report an abusive manager?
Yes they can. Learn more here:
Why do I need one more thing I am going to have to manage and that takes more of my time?
When used properly GAGE saves time. Managers save time by easy evaluations, instantaneous feedback with touch points and we will increase your retention, saving you time on hiring.
How long do I have to stay at a job to get a good score?
For proprietary reasons, we can’t disclose specifics of how the algorithm works. However, we can say that the longer you stay at any one job the better your score. It shows both your current and future employers your ability to commit. This is very valuable to employers. If you can show that you can commit to a job, you increase your value to them.
What if you can't get previous work verified?
You can add past work history; it just won’t be verified. Meaning that it won’t contribute to the score and have a GAGE verified mark on your work history.
How does the app manage termination of an employee?
Any termination, whether it be good or bad, is a quick process.
The manager of the employee terminates the employee via the App and submits a short, three question exit evaluation.
Learn more by viewing the following video.
How are you able to verify that someone actually fulfilled their notice given in GAGE?
Once a 2-week notice is submitted by an employee, their manager will receive the notice. At the end of the 2-weeks notice the manager will be prompted to submit an Exit Evaluation on the employee. The exit evaluation will confirm that the employee fulfilled their obligation.
To learn more, view the following videos:
How do you prevent score inflation, everyone can't be 1000?
We are yet to see 1000, even though it is possible in our algorithm. Our formula will evolve and modify over time. We will never stop learning and adapting to certain patterns in user behavior. We are committed to making the score as accurate and reliable as possible.
Have you had an employee score dip below 500? If so, how did that go?
Yes, of course. There have been users/employees that have made poor decisions and as a result they are below 500. They can turn things around and increase their scores whenever they decide.
How do you protect an employee's score from favoritism and basic human emotion? Like a manager that shows favoritism or harshness based on how they feel about the employee.
Great question. Trust us, it was the first challenge we had to overcome when we built GAGE. We embedded code into the algorithm to protect from misuse. The algorithm learns and tracks patterns of behavior of those managing and corrects for any excessive activity.
Can the scores go down due to lack of performance?
Yes they can.
How long do I have to stay at my job to get a good job history score?
Great question. Try to commit to a job for a few months at least. 3 months is a good minimum commitment to target. The longer you are with any job, the better. It shows commitment and fortitude.
How can I improve my score?
Easy! If you can do these 3 things your score will grow:
What happens to my score if I leave my job?
Job transitions are a normal, healthy part of life. They should be celebrated and rewarded if they are done well. If you leave your job appropriately with a 2-weeks’ notice, your score will go up. However, if you do not, and you choose to abandon your job, your employer and your team, then your score will take a hit.
Can my score help me get promoted?
While that’s a decision completely up to your employer, we believe that the score will help guide them in their decision making.
Can you dispute a comment/rating?
No you cannot. But you can report abuse or misuse through the app and you can do it anonymously if you’d like.
Learn more in this video:
Do you have requirements for your managers to give High Fives and Nudges each day? An expected process to keep GAGE moving?
Not at the moment. Our current reasoning is that perhaps it's better left up to the leadership of the business to determine those guidelines. If you have any suggestions we would love your feedback. Please send all your ideas to support@GAGEwork.com.
Are employees able to Nudge managers/employers?
No. Nudges are a managerial tool and only used down hill. Employer to manager, manager to staff, etc. High Fives can be given peer to peer and peer to manager.
Does a Nudge reduce your score?
Not directly or independently, but it does have a negative impact on your overall score. The best way to remove the impact of a Nudge is to get a High Five.
When the employee gives the manager a High Five, does that impact the manager's score ?
Yes it does.
Can I give a High Five or Nudge to my manager ?
Yes, you can give managers and co-workers (peers) High Fives. Nudges are a managerial tool only so it can only flow down from manager to staff member.
Is there a way to give a High Five to the entire team instead of just individuals?
Not at the moment. If you would like to see this feature, please submit your feedback to support@GAGEwork.com.
Is there a way for an employee to see the history of a business before they take the job.
Not at the moment. If you would like to see this feature, please submit your feedback to support@GAGEwork.com.
In the evaluation section, can a manager set a reminder or timetable to perform evaluations?
Not quite yet, but it’s in the works! We understand how important this feature is and want the evaluation process to be as simple as possible. We are working on building out more alerts and reminders to help managers manage more effectively.
Is there a way to have the work history be verified?
We are working on a process to verify past employment but this feature isn’t active now. Currently, to validate work history and have it contribute to your score, you must connect to a place of business that uses GAGE.
What is your ballpark time frame for Business Intelligence integration?
We don’t have a timeline but we are hard at work everyday to ensure that we can integrate with 3rd party products. Please let us know what integrations you would like to see, submit your feedback to support@GAGEwork.com.
Does the app have a writing assistant?
Not at the moment. If you would like to see this feature, please submit your feedback to support@GAGEwork.com.
How do you handle Data Integration, adding new employees to the app from your existing HR System?
Manual entry is the only option presently but we’re working on integrations. We understand this is a feature that is high priority. There are several HR platforms we are looking to integrate with. Please let us know what platform you would like to see integrate, submit your feedback to support@GAGEwork.com.
Could you request a meeting with the owner from the app?
Not at the moment. If you would like to see this feature, please submit your feedback to support@GAGEwork.com.
Any plans for more chat/communication features in future versions ?
It is on our discussion board for future features. If you would like to see this feature, please submit your feedback to support@GAGEwork.com.
Why hasn’t my score moved?
Good question. There are any number of reasons for this; however, if you feel there is an error or something wrong, send an email to support@gagework.com
Can you integrate scheduling/shift covering options to make it a one stop app?
Not yet, but we have had many discussions about adding scheduling to our system. We will also look at adding integrations to our system, so that other scheduling platforms can integrate. Keep in the know with updates at gagework.com or by following us on social media.
Have a suggestion?
Please submit your feedback to support@GAGEwork.com
Provide some details to our team and we will be in touch by email to assist.
Reach out and talk with our GAGE Support Team during business hours.
M-F 9AM - 5PM EST.
Begin a chat conversation with our staff during regular business hours.
M-F 9AM - 5PM EST.
Leave us a message and one of our team members will reach out in 24-48 hours.
How can we help today?
.png)