Should You Bother with Appraisals

Why should you bother with appraisals? Because you don’t know if you don’t ask.

Essentially a conversation, appraisals are a very useful conversation when you want to get the best out of your employees and see your business grow. Useful for finding out information and giving feedback, appraisals are also a great opportunity for employees to reflect on their goals, objectives and contributions. Well conducted appraisals result in a better understanding of your team, allow positive changes and increase morale.

What you can find out from an appraisal:

• There may be expertise or knowledge within your team that you didn’t know about
• Some employees may feel dissatisfied with their role or may be struggling with their work
• You may find some gaps in the knowledge of your employees
• Maybe they are really happy and performing well!

What do you do with this information?

This knowledge allows you to sort out problems and make sure individual employees are the right people for the right roles. If someone is more suited to a different role, re-structuring will make a more effective use of the people you have.

You can organise training that is required to increase efficiency and encourage staff to share expertise with their colleagues.

When misunderstandings and communication problems surface, you can organise regular team meetings to keep everyone in the loop.

Getting your employees’ views allows you to find out what they need and gives them a sense of being in control of their job. Without talking to the people you work with you remain oblivious to problems that may be hindering productivity, motivation and ultimately the success of your business.

What can you tell your employees?

An appraisal is your chance to say “well done” or ask the questions to find out why an individual is not be performing at their best. Money is not always the best way to reward people for good work; recognition is extremely motivational. Appreciation and praise encourages loyalty and focus. Individuals who have received positive feedback about their work are more likely to give 110%.

So why bother?

Because regular appraisals make sure your team remains highly motivated and satisfied at work which ultimately increases productivity, reduces absenteeism and staff turnover. Carried out professionally and sensitively, they are an essential component of success in business.

To find out about how to carry out effective appraisals, book you place on the workshop I’m running in Henley on Thames on 11 September 2013. Click here to book your place online for just £12 +VAT.