Performance Appraisals

A performance appraisal (or performance review) is concerned with how good and bad someone has performed in his/her capacity within a workplace setting. Employers use this review to assess employees' recent performances, developments, and future goals or improvements. Most importantly, it provides opportunities for employers and employees to communicate each other’s expectations.

Typically, a performance appraisal would provide background information on an employee, such as his or her job position and duties. The employer would then list the employee’s strengths and weaknesses on the job, and include examples for evidence. Finally, the employer would suggest plans for the employee to improve in any given area.

The following samples and activities will give you a better idea on how to write performance appraisals for employees.

Writing Performance Appraisals

Recognize the accomplishments of employers

As an employer, you should be able to distinguish particular performances or achievements that contributed significantly to the company so that you may reward or compensate your employees.

Emphasize expectations and clear goals

Make it clear to the employees what is expected of them by mentioning your expectations in your appraisals. By giving them clear goals, they are more likely to work to strive for those goals.

Motivate your employees to improve

Another duty as an employer is to get the best out of your workers. Be able to recognize their weaknesses and let them know what is expected of them.

Keep a track record of every employee

Collect enough evidence of work done by employees so that you may reward them or terminate them. By holding evidence of exceptional and unsatisfactory work or records, you would be able to justify your decision legally if a lawsuit arises.

Examples

Common Expressions

Summary of work status

  1. (Name) has been working at our company for x amount of years.
  2. He/she is currently a (position).
  3. He/she has been involved in various projects, such as…

Evaluation and evidence

  1. (Name of employee) displays/demonstrates/shows/is…
  2. As a (job duty), he/she is able to…
  3. He/she is…, as shown/demonstrated/proven by…
  4. For example, he/she once...

Professional development plan

  1. (Employee) is a reliable and efficient worker, but he/she sometimes…
  2. It is advised that he/she should work on his/her (skills) by…

Activity