Performance Appraisals

1. Benefits of Appraisals

In the rush of everyday work it can be difficult to manage all your employees well.

An appraisal is a regular opportunity to identify - and deal with - all the most important issues facing the employee.

1.1 By clarifying the employee's key objectives, you make it possible for the employee to achieve or exceed them.

You can use a personal development plan approach to increase the desire of the employee to improve. (See Personal development plans.)

• You use each appraisal to set new objectives with the employee.

1.2 By recognising achievements during the previous period, you create the motivation to achieve even more. (See Motivating employees.)

• Actually saying 'well done' or 'thank you' may seem unimportant to you, but acknowledgements like these are extremely important to the employee.

1.3 By identifying and correcting problems, you improve the employee's productivity.

• An appraisal gives you an insight into the work being done and the employees who are doing it.

1.4 By asking for feedback and ideas, you find out how to improve your business.

• You can receive useful feedback on your performance as a manager, including your management of other employees.