Why reserved parking for employee of the month can be a bad idea

One of my favorite restaurants rewards its employee of the month with a prime parking spot. There is a conspicuous sign “Parking spot reserved for employee of the month” to serve notice to lesser employees.

The store probably views this as a low-cost way to improve motivation.

I view it slightly differently. You see, the only time I notice the reserved parking spot is when it is EMPTY.

It annoys me for two reasons. One, I am usually searching for parking, and just when I find a great spot I learn it is “reserved parking” but not available for customers.

And two, the EMPTY spot gives a bad signal about service. When I go to a restaurant, I want its best servers and managers on duty. I normally have no idea what kind of service to expect. But when I see an empty parking spot for employee of the month, I know I am not getting the best service and wonder if I should dine elsewhere.