Learning how to write performance reviews that are meaningful can make a huge difference if you want to motivate employees. You've probably sat through a worthless performance review with an ill-informed or unmotivated boss before; such an experience can be demoralizing and can undermine motivation to perform at peak capacity. Follow these performance review-writing tips that will propel employees in the desired direction.
Ask Your Employee to Write a Self-Review
Read over the self-review before you write the employee performance review. Make note of areas of emphasis, then compare this to goals written in previous reviews or at the time of hire. Make sure you understand what was communicated to the employee in the past (this may include speaking to another manager) so you are up to date on expectations.
Write Out Specific Expectations and Goals
It's important to get goals and expectations down in writing so the employee has something to reference in case of confusion. Try to make goals measurable whenever possible.
Ask Questions of Your Employee
Find out if the employee has any concerns or is discontented for any reasons. A good performance review also includes open communication about feasibility of goals, the work environment, cooperation between coworkers and adequacy of resources available.
Provide Incentives for Better Performance
Does your employee need more training? Better resources? Would a switch to a different project or department meet the needs of both the company and the individual better? Look for win-win solutions that set the employee up to make the most of his employment opportunity while benefitting the company. If possible, offer financial incentives for improved work or productivity. Look for ways to motivate the employee to stay and to produce at maximum capacity. Different people respond to different incentives; try to figure out what will motivate this particular person most.
 | When you're reviewing employee performance, try to make the process as interactive as possible, and use positive, action-oriented statements that encourage motivation in your staff, which may result in individual growth that supports company goals. |
 | Writing performance review action plans may feel tedious, but it's essential to do them right so your employees know exactly what is expected. Instead of seeing this task as a burden, try to imagine you are saving yourself time later. |
Performance reviews are about as exciting as a bad report card. Most employees emerge from this ritual unscathed, but what should you do if you think you might fail the class? |
You may be intimidated by the challenge of writing your own employee performance reviews, but don't panic. Employee evaluations provide the perfect opportunity to showcase your contributions while requesting changes that will improve your job satisfaction and ability to excel. |
Writing performance reviews can be challenging, especially if you have to write several in a short period of time. However, you can streamline the process, making this task easier for you and more positive for your employees. |
