Performance appraisals and reviews: Igniting employee growth and turbocharging organisational success
How is the performance review process perceived in your organisation? Is it a mundane task — or a powerful tool that drives success and fuels employee development? A well-executed appraisals process that has genuine buy-in from employees can have a huge positive impact on your business.
Senior Learning & Development Business Partner, Julya Holden, has seen that impact first-hand. Here, she explains why performance appraisals are so important, particularly when it comes to personal development and achieving strategic goals.
Why it’s time to stop neglecting performance reviews
A clear path to success
When people know what’s expected of them, they can align their efforts and focus on the right priorities – which means improved performance and productivity all-round.
Performance appraisals and reviews are a way of setting out those clear expectations, goals and objectives: a roadmap for success. You’ll give employees a clear understanding of what’s expected from them. Think of it as a GPS guiding them towards their destination!
Uncovering potential
Performance appraisals and reviews are a key tool to help uncover hidden potential in your people. By assessing employees’ strengths and areas for improvement, your managers can provide targeted feedback and guidance. It’s a process that not only improves individual performance, but also enhances the overall effectiveness of the team and organisation.
If you’re looking for a way to help structure your performance appraisals process, the 9-Box Grid Model is one of many tools that could be a helpful starting point. It classifies employees based on two dimensions: performance and potential, so it’s really relevant if uncovering potential is high on your priorities.
Fuelling growth and development
According to LinkedIn research conducted over the last five years, 94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their career development. And performance appraisals and reviews play a vital role in nurturing that development.
By identifying skill gaps and development opportunities, your managers can create personalised development plans – essentially providing a tailored training program designed to unlock each employee’s full potential.
Building trust and understanding
Effective communication and collaboration are the pillars of a thriving workplace. Appraisals are the perfect opportunity for open and honest conversations between managers and employees, with the help of a structured platform.
Employees can share their concerns, aspirations and ideas, while managers provide guidance and support. It all helps foster a culture of teamwork, creativity, innovation and problem-solving.
Recognising and rewarding excellence
Everyone loves to be recognised for their hard work and achievements. Performance reviews are an opportunity to celebrate success and acknowledge exceptional performance. They’re like a standing ovation for a job well-done!
Recognise and reward your employees and you’ll create a positive work environment that motivates and inspires the entire team.
Empowering career advancement
What better time for your employees to discuss their career aspirations and goals than at their performance review? It’s the perfect time to open the door to new opportunities.
During the review process, managers can provide insights and guidance on how employees can advance their careers. And your employees can take ownership of their professional development, which all helps foster a sense of loyalty and commitment to the organisation.
Driving organisational success
Ultimately, performance appraisals and reviews are instrumental in driving organisational success. Align individual goals with your company objectives and you’ll make sure that everyone is working towards a common vision.
Appraisals are always a great time to make sure your employees understand how their contributions impact the overall success of your organisation. Hopefully, that knowledge will inspire them to be more motivated, productive and committed to achieving those shared goals.
Establish or improve your performance appraisals and reviews
If you’re interested in learning more about how to design or implement an effective employee performance appraisal and review process, get in touch with Julya Holden. Julya specialises in learning and development and is available to support your organisation appraisals with growth models and affiliated talent processes.