appraisal

• appraisal ?

  Appraisal is the process of monitoring and reviewing the performance of employees in the workplace
• superior assessments

  A top down review process whereby a subordinate’s performance is assessed by a superior, normally their direct line manager. Must be handled confidentially and sensitively. Very common method.

  benefit : Superior is likely to have good knowledge of the employees’ responsibilities and how well they have performed.

  drawback: However the superior may not be fully trained in how to carry out assessments and how to provide feedback
• peer assessment

  A horizontal review process where an employee’s performance is reviewed by

  colleagues working at the same level Often peer groups appraise peer groups and it is therefore sometimes referred to as crowd based assessment

  Benefit : May be less intimidating than superior assessment

  drawback :Drawback is that subordinates do not have an overview of other aspects of a superior’s job.
• self assessment ?

  Employees review and form judgements on their own performance. Usually used as part of a review process to help managers lead a constructive review conversation.

  benefit : Reflection upon own performance in terms of reaching personal goals. This can create a sense of empowerment and help motivate staff.

  drawback : Some people find it difficult to be self-critical or balanced, leading to frustration and demotivation.
• 360 degree assessment

  A multi stage review process that combines superior, peer and self assessment as well as subordinate assessment

  benefits : Ratings are collected from supervisors, peers, subordinates, customers

  and even the ‘appraisee’ themselves. This gives a fairer and detailed view of the employees performance against set objectives.

  drawbacks : The process is time consuming and costly
• benefits of appraisal to business - Provides feedback on employee performance

  Motivate employees 🡪 recognition for good performance 🡪 reduce staff absenteeism / turnover 🡪 retain staff 🡪 avoid unnecessary recruitment costs
• benefits of appraisal to business - Informs reward systems and future HR decisions including workforce planning

  Improved understanding of employees strengths & weaknesses 🡪 training needs identified 🡪 improved customer services/productivity/competitiveness 🡪 WF planning need identified to fill skills gaps

  Overall business strategic goals are shared & agreed 🡪 employees job role/responsibilities are fully understood so managers will value to work completed 🡪 benefits the whole business 🡪 business targets met
• benefits of appraisal to business - Share common goals

  Setting and reflecting of targets 🡪 pay rewards🡪 employees work more productivity 🡪 include sales / production targets 🡪 increase profits

  Recognition for good work 🡪 rewards offered 🡪 eg bonuses

  Improves employee/employer relations 🡪 better communication 🡪 avoids disputes
• benefits of appraisal to business -Opportunity to discuss progress and future with manager as well as any grievances

  Employee feels valued/invested in 🡪 improved skills 🡪opportunities to progress in the future

  Increased motivation 🡪 job satisfaction
• Drawbacks of appraisal

  • can cause tension in the workplace (especially in relation to the allocation of bonuses);
  • puts workers under tremendous pressure to keep improving performance;
  • places too much power in the hands of line managers who may be ill-equipped to use the system effectively or, alternatively, abuse the power the system gives them.