Performance reviews are crucial to the forward progress of both organizations and the employees who operate them. A well-executed employee performance appraisals system ensures that everyone has the tools to succeed at work. Well-conducted reviews can also improve team productivity and workplace satisfaction. In this article, we discuss what a performance appraisal is, what the different types of employee performance appraisals are and how you can conduct one of your own.
What are employee performance appraisals?
A performance appraisal, or performance review, is when a supervisor analyzes and summarizes an employee’s work against expectations over a certain time period. The manager often compares the work to a standard baseline before documenting and discussing the results with the employee. These reviews are a great way to help employees better understand their performance and to set performance- or career-based goals to work toward.
These meetings function as an ongoing conversation between an employee and their manager, where the goal is for all parties to perform at or above the expectations set at the beginning of their employment. A few topics common in performance appraisals include career goals, performance rewards, improvement plans and suggestions for additional training.
1. Traditional performance appraisals
Traditionally, a manager and employee meet to review the employee’s work performance every six months or annually. A preset rating system may guide the conversation. Often, a manager and employee work together to develop a plan on how to improve in certain categories. This plan becomes a benchmark for success during the next review.
There are no set limits on the performance review cycle. Instead, managers may prefer setting specific deadlines for different employees. For example, with an employee who’s worked at a company for decades and requires little direction, a meeting every six months or once a year may be sufficient. Meanwhile, newer employees may require monthly appraisals to help them stay on track.
2. Self-appraisals
In a self-appraisal, employees assess their own performance before meeting with their manager. This process establishes a framework for discussion and allows employees to prepare for the meeting. It also helps managers get a sense of how team members view their own performance, job description and goals. With both the manager’s appraisal and employee’s appraisal, both parties can get a better idea of what may need to change to improve the employee’s performance.
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