Employee Appraisals – Why Bother?

There is always that time in the year where HR departments will be preparing to send out the ever-present message from on high that managers need to turn their attention to completing performance reviews of their people.

Employees, as well as managers, often question why organisations carry out employee performance appraisals. Anyone who has received or been given a performance appraisal could argue why they recognise it to be ineffective and a complete waste of time.

Conducting appraisals is just one aspect of performance management employed to manage performance and is seen as a ‘must do’ within the workplace. Surprisingly however, most organisations and managers dislike doing them and often appraisals don’t get done or are conducted in such a way that has it little benefit for either party.

So Why Bother?

Why? Because you won’t know if you don’t ask.

In effect a discussion, appraisals are a very useful conversation when you want to get the best out of your employees and see growth within your organisation. Useful for finding out information and giving feedback, appraisals are also a great opportunity for employees to reflect on their goals, objectives and contributions. Well conducted appraisals result in a better understanding of your team, allowing positive changes and increased employee engagement and morale.

What you can find out from an appraisal:

• There may be skills or knowledge within your workforce that you didn’t know about
• Some employees may feel dissatisfied with their role or may be struggling with their work
• You may find some gaps in the knowledge of your employees
• Maybe they are really happy and performing well!

What do you do with this information?

This knowledge allows managers to resolve problems and make sure individual employees are the right people for the right roles. If someone is more suited to a different role, re-structuring will make a more effective use of the people you have.

Training can be organised geared towards increased efficiency and encourage staff to share expertise and knowledge with their colleagues.

When misunderstandings and communication problems surface, team meetings can be arranged to make sure that everyone is kept in the loop.

Getting your employees to share their views and opinions allows managers to find out what they need and gives them a sense of being in control of their role. Without talking to the people you work with there is an increased chance of remaining oblivious to problems that may be hindering productivity, motivation and ultimately the success of your business.

What can you tell your employees?

An appraisal gives an organisation and its’ leaders a chance to say ‘well done’ or to ask questions to find out perhaps why an individual may not be performing to the best of their abilities. Money is not always the best way to reward people for good work; recognition is extremely motivational. Appreciation and praise encourages loyalty and focus. Individuals who have received positive feedback about their work are more likely to go the extra mile and have higher levels of employee engagement.

So why bother?

Well the bottom line is, regular appraisals make sure your team remains highly motivated and satisfied at work which ultimately increases employee engagement, productivity, reduces absenteeism and staff turnover. Carried out professionally and sensitively, they are an essential component of success in any organisation.

Want to know more about increasing employee engagement levels in your organisation? The why not give us a call on +44 (0) 1255 850051 or contact us through our website.