Time Well Spent - OfficeTeam Survey: Formal Evaluations Improve Employee
Performance

TORONTO, May 27 /CNW/ - Not everyone looks forward to it, but the performance review remains a valuable assessment tool, according to human resources (HR) managers surveyed recently by OfficeTeam. A majority (78 per cent) of respondents said formal evaluations are effective in improving job performance. Half of those surveyed said they conduct these meetings once a year, and one in five (20 per cent) hold appraisals at least quarterly.

The survey was developed by OfficeTeam, a leading staffing service specializing in the placement of highly skilled administrative professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with more than 150 HR managers at companies with 20 or more employees.

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

    
    Very effective..................................................   27%
    Somewhat effective..............................................   51%
    Not very effective..............................................   13%
    Not effective at all............................................    2%
    Don't know/no answer............................................    6%
                                                                     --------
                                                                       99%*
    

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

    
    Quarterly.......................................................    5%
    Twice a year....................................................   15%
    Once a year.....................................................   50%
    As necessary....................................................   22%
    Never...........................................................    9%
                                                                     --------
                                                                      101%*
    * Responses do not total 100 per cent due to rounding.
    

"Despite their bad rap, performance reviews benefit both managers and employees, provided adequate preparation goes into them," said OfficeTeam executive director Robert Hosking. "It's understood that supervisors must take the time to provide constructive feedback to team members, but workers also should play an active role in the process. This is their chance to highlight key accomplishments and discuss career aspirations."

OfficeTeam offers five tips for employees on making the most of performance appraisals:

    
    1.  Sort out the details. Prepare for the discussion by asking your
        supervisor for a copy of the assessment form that will be used. Check
        if your manager has any special requests, such as bringing
        information about certain projects to the meeting or completing a
        self-evaluation.
    2.  Showcase your accomplishments. Highlight any kudos or special awards
        you've received for your work since your last formal review. Keep an
        ongoing list of key achievements to serve as a reminder to you and
        your supervisor of how your efforts have benefited the company.
    3.  Make it a two-way conversation. Your manager will inform you of areas
        where you are excelling and those where improvement is needed. Don't
        hesitate to ask questions about the assessment or request support or
        guidance.
    4.  Share your ideas. Discuss what you hope to achieve at the company in
        the future and make sure these goals are in line with your long-term
        professional objectives.
    5.  Follow through. Regularly review the goals you've established and
        keep your supervisor posted on your progress.
    

About OfficeTeam

OfficeTeam 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 320 locations worldwide and offers online job search services at www.officeteam.com.

For further information: Kristie Perrotte, [phone], [email protected]