Employees dread the end of year performance reviews. They view it as a time to criticize their work and show them just how much they are underperforming. However, it doesn’t have to be like this. By making certain changes to the reviews, you can turn it into a favorable experience for both employees and management alike. Let’s take a look!
1. Make the Whole Process Simple
One of the things that make end of year performance reviews so boring is how lengthy they are. If you can make things simple and less time consuming, employees will be more willing to see it through.
One area where there can be improvement is in the questions. Add relevant questions that touch on the actual performance improvement of the employee such as where they can do more and make progress and how the company can offer help.
Second, instead of setting goals that are too high, you can start by setting achievable, more realistic goals. It is always a good idea to automate the process. As a manager or entrepreneur, you will be more able to track the employees throughout the year.
2. Find a Constructive Way to Pass on Negative Feedback
You might think that employees are apprehensive of feedback but research shows that the majority of them are open to constructive criticism.
The trick lies in how to pass on this feedback. Care should be observed. You do not want to bring the morale of your employees to an all time low.
You can achieve this by speaking to them in a way that is not offensive and make the employees more accepting of making the necessary changes.
3. Add in Some Positive Feedback
This is one of the best ways to help employees look forward to the end of year performance reviews. You want it to be a chance for them to be recognized for the things they did right. Positive feedback is crucial and will help employees stay motivated for the coming year.
In fact, data shows that companies that offer positive feedback to their employees have 14.9% less employee turnover compared to organizations that offered the employees no feedback at all.
It’s all about recognizing the benefits that the employees bring to the company and appreciating them for it. This will also serve to motivate the other employees because they are able to see that this is a company that recognizes the efforts of its workers.
4. Ask for Peer Feedback
One of the best ways to improve performance reviews is to solicit some feedback from the employees themselves. Not only will management have a different perspective but the employees will not see this as a purely management exercise. It will foster a feeling of togetherness in the organization.
The main aim of conducting performance reviews is not to criticize employees, it is to help them develop for a better performing business. By following the tips above, you can keep your employees motivated and help them increase productivity.