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. Try these tips for writing better employee performance reviews the next time you're saddled with the task.
Standardize Your Evaluation Procedures
Use standardized forms and a standardized rating system, and link monetary rewards to that standardized system. These simple procedural changes will save time and help your employees feel they are being evaluated and compensated fairly.
Look at the Last Performance Review While You Work on This One
Compare the goals set in the last performance review with your expectations for the employee now. Make sure you are judging fairly, taking into account what goals were previously set in comparison to what new employee expectations may be. Be sure to explain any significant changes.
Ask Your Employee for a Self-Evaluation Before You Write Yours
It can be challenging to remember all the contributions an employee has made, especially if you are overseeing many people. Have your employee submit a self-evaluation first, and then compare his notes to your own observations. This way, you won't miss key contributions that could upset the employee if they are overlooked or appear to have gone unappreciated.
Celebrate Positive Contributions
Offer up generous praise for all goals met or exceeded. Look for areas of positive performance, and use this praise to leverage additional motivation and responsiveness to company or team goals.
Set Measurable Goals for Improvement
Make sure you communicate clear, measurable, achievable goals for the subsequent evaluation period. Offer adequate training, support and resources.
Remove Obstacles to Success
Check to make sure there are no roadblocks to your employee's growth and success. Ask questions about training, supplies, equipment, work environment and co-workers to ensure all roadblocks have been removed and your employee feels adequately prepared to accomplish that which has been expected.
Link Rewards to Performance
Explain how excellent job performance can lead to promotions, opportunities, bonuses or pay raises.
 | 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. |
 | Learning how to write performance reviews that are meaningful can make a huge difference if you want to motivate employees. |
 | 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. |
