Are Performance Reviews Worth It?

Survey: More Than Two in Five Employees Say Performance Appraisal Process Isn't Effective

TORONTO, Nov. 23, 2015 /CNW/ - The performance review is getting mixed reviews from workers, according to new research from staffing firm OfficeTeam. Although over half (65 per cent) of human resources (HR) managers interviewed said they schedule these meetings at least annually, more than two in five (41 per cent) employees feel the assessments do not help improve their performance. This contrasts with 95 per cent of HR managers who believe their organization's performance appraisal process is at least somewhat effective.

Thirty-nine per cent of companies hold reviews at least twice a year, a 19-point jump from a similar survey in 2010.

HR managers were asked, "How often, if ever, do you conduct formal performance appraisals of your staff?" Their responses:

Quarterly	15%
Twice a year	24%
Once a year	26%
As necessary	33%
Never	2%
	100%

Workers were asked, "How effective do you think your company's performance appraisal process is in improving your performance?" Their responses:

Very effective	15%
Somewhat effective	44%
Not very effective	26%
Not effective at all	15%
	100%

HR managers were also asked, "In your opinion, how effective is your company's performance appraisal process in improving employee performance?" Their responses:

Very effective	51%
Somewhat effective	44%
Not very effective	3%
Not effective at all	1%
	99%*

*Responses do not total 100 per cent due to rounding.

"All performance appraisals are not created equal. Companies need to determine the format and frequency of these assessments that works best for their employees," said Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. "Aside from formal reviews, regularly checking in with staff and providing feedback throughout the year can keep everyone on the same page."

Hosking added, "Love them or hate them, performance discussions can be an effective tool, as long as both managers and workers properly prepare."

OfficeTeam offers five tips for managers when conducting performance appraisals:   

1. Get a head start. Check in with your HR representative regarding forms and guidelines for the meeting. Take time to reflect on employee achievements and whether expectations were met.
2. Have others weigh in. Seek feedback from colleagues who regularly work with the staff member to receive the full picture. You may uncover new insights.  
3. Encourage active participation. Let workers know what to expect from the performance appraisal and how they can prepare in advance. Ask employees to compile a list of accomplishments, obstacles and goals for the discussion. Remember, it's a two-way conversation.
4. Choose your words carefully. When critiquing worker performance, give specific, constructive feedback, as well as suggestions for improvement. Also acknowledge the employee's recent successes.  
5. Focus on the future. Reach an agreement on objectives for the coming period and regular checkpoints for assessing progress. Discuss any resources or support the worker needs.

About the Research
The surveys of HR managers and workers were developed by OfficeTeam. They were conducted by an independent research firm and include responses from more than 310 HR managers at Canadian companies with 20 or more employees, and more than 430 Canadian workers 18 years or older and employed in office environments.

About OfficeTeam
OfficeTeam, a Robert Half company, is the nation's leading staffing service specializing in the temporary placement of highly skilled office and administrative support professionals. The company has more than 300 locations worldwide. For more information, including online job search services, visit officeteam.ca. Follow @RobertHalf_CAN on Twitter and the OfficeTeam Take Note^® blog, for additional workplace advice and hiring trends.

SOURCE OfficeTeam

Image with caption: "How Effective are Performance Appraisals? (CNW Group/OfficeTeam)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151123_C4110_PHOTO_EN_550676.jpg

Naz Araghian, 416.865.2140, [email protected]