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Performance Appraisals: A Key Component in Managing your Workforce 

It’s getting to that time of the year again, where managers are being asked regarding salary increases and promotions. With a full plate of business priorities, it can sometimes be difficult for your line managers to appreciate the importance of a smooth and timely performance appraisal. 

For ease, we have outlined some key aspects that need to be taken into consideration whilst doing company wide performance appraisals. 

Why are Performance Appraisals important?        

• They are a forum for building and maintaining employer-employee relationships and providing valuable feedback on both sides. 
• They are an opportunity to raise and solve grievances before any issues in question escalate. 
• Management can identify any Learning and Development priorities and set goals for individual and team development. In turn, this enhances employee morale and engagement levels. 
• Detailed oversight on priorities for the deemed period (quarter, half-year/year)

Popular Types of Performance Appraisals 

• Performance measured against employer objectives – Managers set goals for the individual or team and measure success once or twice a year. HR Business Consultants advises we move from this outdated approach to a more circular process; see below
• 360 Degree Performance Appraisal: done twice a year with regular check-ins for progress on milestones in the middle. We advise two annual 360 Degree PA’s and a check in session every quarter at the very least which would be more informal. 
• Self-assessment Appraisal: The employee lays out their development goals and areas they need help with. This can be easily looped into the 360 Degree process. 
• Performance Appraisal for Promotion – This is a specific kind of performance appraisal which can include the elements of the above but will have specific goals and milestones in relation to a particular role the individual is working to be promoted to. 
• All of the above can be tied to salary reviews 

In conclusion, it is important that a Performance Appraisal process not be cumbersome and drawn out unnecessarily. It is important to train your managers to prioritise appraisals during this period.  

At HR Business Consultants, not only do we help you create and execute your performance appraisals, but we can also train your managers on how to conduct them with best practices in mind. Please email us at TellMeMore@HRBusCons.co.uk for a Free Performance Appraisal (available for the month of May) 

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