Tips for Effective Performance Reviews [ How To, Importance ]

Business companies are keen with regards to their reputation, management, and operations. All these important factors depend on the business performance which is basically based on two things. One is pertained to the business operations which includes the system management appraisal, and the other is pertaining to the performances exerted by the employees as their contribution to the company’s success. With such low performance review at work, the productivity of the company drops, as well as the percentage of the business progress reduces.

The main or common reason why performance level drops down could either be the result from poor performance monitoring or planning and decision making when it comes to project proposals and implementations. These are few of the reasons why companies must establish standard operating procedures in carrying out proper practices and applying them as daily routine. These procedures would definitely help the company and its workforce achieve efficient and high quality output from the business proposal operations.

One of the many ways to monitor how the business company is doing, is the use of performance reviews. Performance reviews are often utilized to assess the employee’s performance evaluation. They are provided at the end of the training or performance examination and tests the capacity of an employee. With these reviews, the employees are being evaluated as they prove themselves that they are worthy for the position that they have applied for.

How to Conduct Performance Reviews?

Performance reviews should be conducted in a systematic way to achieve a successful and effective review. One way to ensure that time is not wasted in conducting these reviews is by following this step by step process:

• A management meeting is conducted with the authorized personnel such as the supervisors, human resource manager and staffs as they plan to conduct an employee performance review.
• During the meeting, the reasons why performance reviews should be conducted are justified together with the aim, objectives and purposes. The meeting also includes the setting of schedule for performance review and what techniques should be used in the training.
• The meeting is reviewed in order to gather all the necessary information that are needed to have a success performance review. This is done using the meeting evaluation forms.
• A performance review form which contains all the necessary information that are needed to complete the process is created or designed.
• Planning for conducting different kinds of training takes place. It is made sure during this stage that the training has appropriate organizational objectives that would definitely help the employee improve his or her performance, and strive harder in order to attain the expected performance level to be qualified. In planning for the training, the employers are responsible for whatever risks these may result to, that is why a training risk assessment should be completed before proceeding.
• Different kinds of training to test the employees’ performances and their capabilities are conducted. Examples for these are situational and observational. These different  kinds of training will help the employees develop their skills physically and mentally, because they test their critical thinking in decision making, especially when different kinds of circumstances are encountered.
• The review for employee’s performance takes place after the employee has complied all the requirements from the training conducted. During this stage, the employees are also asked to fill out a training feedback form in order for the employers or trainers to have some insights regarding how each training go.
• The review is finalized using the employee performance review form and is discussed together with the employee to create awareness.

These are just the basic steps in conducting the performance review for employees. You may also refer to performance review forms in PDF for more understanding.

Why Performance Reviews Are Conducted?

Performance reviews play important roles in the business industry. A few reasons below will answer in what way or in what manner do these forms work, and by what means they are made mandatory.

• The aim of conducting a performance review is for performance improvement,  because with this, employers will be able to know more about their employees in terms of their capabilities, especially when it comes to facing different kinds of circumstances. On the other hand, employees will be aware on what areas they are to improve. Knowing their flaws will challenge themselves to become even better.
• The performance reviews can also be used for gap bridging and wall breakage between the employers and the employees. The reviews would be a great help in developing the communication, and strengthening the relationship between both parties. And when both have a mutual connection, it will be easier for the employers to discuss the matter regarding the employee’s performance. In other words, performance counseling would not be difficult.
• Another thing that makes performance reviews mandatory is that it could also be used for business development, because when you have handled a performance review successfully and it creates a positive response or outcome from your employees, there will be less trouble in your business management. You will also be able to gain more focus on the other business priorities.
• Indeed, performance reviews are quite horrifying for most of the employees, due to fact that their performances are judged and evaluated. However, these reviews are actually conducted for the welfare of not just the company, but also the employees. Everyone just needs to be positive about it and accept the results. Evaluation of employees’ performances could also be done using performance evaluation forms.
• These review forms are not just used as a basis of an individual employee. As a matter of fact, these forms can also be used for establishing organizational objectives and goals for future development of the business so the management will also be able to know what areas are needed to be improved and how barriers between them and their workforce are to be removed.

These are just few of the main reasons why performance reviews should be conducted. Technically, these help the company develop a better way of managing both the business, and the manpower. This is because performance review forms serve as the bridge to success, as the management and its people engaged themselves in a mutual understanding with one goal, one path, and one direction.

Tips for Effective Performance Reviews

Here are some of basic tips to take note in order to have an effective performance review:

• A meeting between the employer and the employee should be conducted for the purpose of orienting the employee of how he or she is going to be assessed based on performance.
• Always follow up your employees in order to gain trust form them and in order for you to monitor their performances from time to time.
• The employee review form for performance should be discussed thoroughly in order for both parties to understand how these review forms are filled out and how it is being processed.
• The reviews for employee performance should have an actual basis, and not basing on the opinions of the trainer or employer.
• The observational feedback from the reviews of employees’ performances should be delivered in a professional way.
• Handle performance reviews professionally, and never take negative criticisms personally.
• You have to know your limits and do not be affected with all the negative outcome. This also means that you have to be positive no matter what, and stick with the goal or purpose of conducting the review for performance.
• The employer could ask some help from other employees in reviewing the subject employee’s performances.
• Always remember that conducting performance reviews could either result to a positive outcome, or a negative one. Make sure that you know how to handle both.
• Also remember that each employee clearance has different personality; you should know who you are dealing with and how to handle them.
• When you handle these kinds of reviews for performances, be neither too easy, nor too harsh. Just enough for the employees to take these reviews seriously.
• It is better that all the factors or aspects that you want the employees to know regarding their performances are listed in order for you not to forget to tackle these with them.
• Know how to start the conversation with the employee, like how did his or her day go, or how he or she is feeling. This would definitely create a positive atmosphere.
• Never compare the employee to his or her workmates because this will give them low self-esteem.
• Spend more time discussing about the positive feedback form and ways to improve performance, rather than the negative ones. Or, discuss the negative feedback in a positive way.

These are just few of the tips in order for you to have an effective performance evaluation or review with regards to employee’s performance. Feel free to take note of these and apply them in your daily routine in monitoring your workforce. These tips will definitely help you improve your ways of interacting with your people.