3 ways to meet business targets and ensure business continuity during appraisal season.

It is that time of the year again when managers and employees meet for year-end performance reviews. For managers to drive their business strategy forward, taking a candid and constructive approach to these evaluations is a must. The reason: assessments that lack key messages and substantial facts hurt employee motivation and productivity. In fact, according to Gallup analytics, only 14% of employees strongly agree that their performance reviews inspire them to improve. Little wonder leading global brands such as Adobe and GE meet their employees regularly to coach them and guide them to meet business goals.

Here is three-point guide for companies keep their employees motivated and going during the performance appraisal season:

1. Keep an open door and set examples: The stress of performance appraisal can distract employees and impact productivity. Establishing a culture of open conversation encourages staff members to talk about their challenges and find ways to bounce back. Make sure you are available for the questions your employees might have. Listening to them and providing honest answers is the key to helping them get back on track. In addition, to prevent a drop in productivity, managers need to benchmark productivity levels and set examples for employees to follow.
2. Appreciate employees and instill the right attitude: Performance appraisal season is a great time to remind employees about their strengths and the impact it has on the company. Share the big picture of your company with your employees, while giving them a chance to share their ideas. This will help them feel valued and keep their mind on work. The time should also be used for introspection and work related improvement. Case in point - Axis Bank and Ranbaxy - who have created a more inclusive performance culture and are honing long-term professional development by giving employees a chance to improve performance, reflect, invest, develop and excel.  Create opportunities for workers to meet their career goals by suggesting courses such as ones that help develop leadership skills or improve communication effectiveness. turning a tough time into a rather interesting one.
3. Plan fun company events: Break up the appraisal season with some recreational activities that employees can look forward to. Google encourages its employees to take part in recreational activities and pursue hobbies. This helps in team building and has positive impact on the performance of its employees. If the work schedule allows, encourage your employees to even schedule a vacation. Marriot encourages its employees to take a vacation on one of their international properties.  You can also offer work flexibility to help boost morale and motivate employees. This will help them stay productive, ensuring business continuity during the appraisal season.

Keeping engagement high during performance appraisal season is critical to ensure that the organization does not veer off its charted path. This can be as simple as using positive reinforcement, planning a big project the team can rally around, or creating an enjoyable work atmosphere. Simple things can keep the spirits high and help employees translate the stress of performance review into a productive time at work.

Sources:

http://news.gallup.com/businessjournal/229466/expensive-mistake-leaders…;

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/jobs/appraisals-companies-across-s…

https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/10-companies-in-india-that-take-g…