Staff appraisals may be fear-inducing for both management and employees but they can be an invaluable tool- if done right. It’s all about how both parties approach this interaction. For some, it can be an anxiety inducing trip to the headmaster’s office but for others, it’s a collaborative meeting. It’s true that there’s no legal obligation for businesses to conduct appraisals but many do because of the unique benefits that they offer. With this in mind, how can you ensure that you’re getting the most out of your staff appraisals.
What is an Appraisal?
A staff appraisal is a regularly scheduled meeting between management and employees and acts as a check-up on professional development. Whereas a performance review tends to happen yearly, appraisals are normally more frequent, whether that be monthly or quarterly. It’s also worth noting that an appraisal can be triggered by a specific event, for example the completion of a large project.
As the name suggests, an appraisal involves a brief overview of staff achievements, what could be improved and the overall big picture. Depending on the approach, appraisals can focus on short-term goals, long-term goals or a mixture of the two. The overall idea behind these meetings is to work with employees, offering advice and help in order to ensure they’re the best that they can be.
Dos and Don’ts
Appraisals offer a unique opportunity to discuss a variety of topics with employees, however there are also some common pitfalls to avoid.
For example, although it may seem like an obvious suggestion, preparation before an appraisal is key. This includes both management and staff, who should both use the time prior to the meeting to collect information and make a plan. Going into an appraisal with a comprehensive plan means that everyone involved is informed on what will be discussion and what outcomes are expected. Conversely, rushing into it without any clear aim is unlikely to encourage results and could affect morale.
The focus of an appraisal is also important. Managers can use this time to talk about areas in which staff can improve but it shouldn’t be disciplinary. Remember, appraisals are about growth and going on the offensive will only alienate employees and hamper progress. Criticism is okay, as long as it’s constructive and don’t forget to highlight achievements alongside failures.
Staff appraisals are often a good time to talk about goals, both short and long-term. However, if you continually focus on the long-term, you may create impossible expectations. This is likely to put pressure on your staff, which is counterproductive. Considering that appraisals are relatively frequent, short-term, achievable goals are a better focus.
The Benefits
Now that we have established what makes a good appraisal, what are the potential benefits? The main advantage that appraisals have is that they create a space in which an employer and employee can discuss performance. In some instances, these meetings are the only time that certain topics will be discussed and therefore they can be extremely important. Focusing in on strengths, weaknesses, achievements, goals and an overall action plan, can completely change the way in which a worker approaches their job. This can provide the drive and direction needed to turn a good employee, in to a great one.
The fact that appraisals promote open communication is another benefit. Often staff can be reluctant to discuss any issues with their boss but appraisal meetings break the ice. Conversely, they also allow management to open up and become more receptive.
Of course, just an acknowledgement that management are invested in their staff can provide a morale boost. Which in turn, is more likely to nurture employees who are dedicated and strive for success.
Business owners have so much to keep on top of, whether it be financial services, marketing or staff management. Fortunately, the team at Salhan Accountants can help, offering a variety of expert services. One such solution is their HR consultancy services, which include the design of appraisal schemes. If you’d like to find out more about Salhan Accountants and everything they have to offer, feel free to visit the website.
