Bonusly Recaps: A Manager's Guide to Using Recaps with Direct Reports
Bonusly Recaps are a powerful tool for managers to have data-driven, constructive conversations with their direct reports. They streamline the process of preparing for one-on-ones, performance discussions, and review cycles.
What is a Recap?
A Recap is a time-boxed summary of a direct report’s impact. It automatically compiles the person’s most notable:
Skills
Contributions/Projects
Goals
It pulls in the underlying recognition and feedback that supports each item, providing concrete evidence of impact.
Recaps are designed to be used for:
One-on-ones (1:1s)
Performance conversations
Review preparation
Finding a Direct Report's Recaps
Managers access Recaps through the Team Management section:
Go to Team Management.
Select a team member from the list.
Click the Recap tab at the top of their profile.
From the Recap viewer, you can:
Use the dropdown to switch between different available Recap periods.
Click the printer icon to open and print a clean, PDF-style view.
Create a new Recap if one is needed for a specific period.
Creating a New Recap
If the Recap you need doesn't exist yet, you can create one:
Click Create recap in the Recap viewer.
Choose a time frame and title for the Recap.
Optional: Choose to include your direct report so both of you are "watching" the Recap and will be notified when it is ready.
After you submit, Bonusly generates the Recap.
Note: If a Recap already exists for that period, you will receive a link to open it instead.
Note: If there is insufficient recent activity, an "insufficient data" message will appear.
When the Recap is ready, notifications (in-app and email) are sent to everyone included, with a direct link.
Using Recaps Together in Your 1:1s
Recaps facilitate transparent and focused discussions by allowing both the manager and direct report to reflect on the same data.
1. Review the Overview Grid
Start by looking at the main grid. It lists the person’s Skills, Contributions/Projects, and Goals.
Items are ranked by the amount of supporting evidence (recognition and feedback) they have. This is a fast way to find high-impact highlights.
2. Pick Two Reflection Points Together
Collaborate to select two points for discussion:
Reflection Point | Purpose |
Highlight | What was the standout impact or accomplishment from this period? |
Future Focus | What is the most helpful area for growth to focus on next? |
3. Share Your Reflections
You (the manager) can select any item in the grid as your Highlight or Future Focus.
Your direct report can do the same on their side.
Sharing: Until you click "Share," the other person knows you've made a selection but cannot see the details (it appears hidden/locked).
Discussion: Once both of you share your reflections, they become visible side-by-side. This ensures an easy and transparent discussion, as both perspectives are captured.
Notifications: When either side shares their reflection, the other person receives an in-app and email notification linking them back to the Recap.
Helpful Manager Tips
Timing | Action | Goal |
Before your 1:1 | Create (or select) the current period’s Recap and skim the items with the most supporting evidence. | Quickly identify high-impact highlights and focus areas. |
During your 1:1 | Pick the Highlight and Future Focus together with your report; share your reflection once you are aligned. | Capture both perspectives for a transparent conversation. |
After your 1:1 | Print or export the Recap (using the printer icon) for your notes and review packets. | Save a clean, formatted record of the period's impact and agreed-upon reflections. |
What's Included in the Recap Content?
Summaries of Skills, Projects/Contributions, and Goals.
The count and detail of the supporting recognition and feedback that anchors each item.
A print view that assembles the period label, person name, date range, and all selected content in a clean format.