Performance management process is an ongoing process between a supervisor and an employee to provide the employee with regular feedback regarding performance. The Performance Management Process occurs throughout the year with the objective of accomplishing the strategic objectives of the organization as well as the employee’s professional growth.
Performance Management Process Purpose
In addition to monitoring the employee’s work activities and evaluating performance, supervisors are encouraged to solicit feedback and input from the employee, as well as clients and key stakeholders. On-going communication allows the supervisor and employee to develop a healthy working relationship, address issues in a timely fashion and foster professional development.
Performance appraisals (also known as performance evaluations) are non-disciplinary in nature and are intended to:
- Provide a fair assessment of the employee’s performance;
- Improve job performance in relation to the department’s institutional goals;
- Measure and enhance individual performance;
- Recognize and reward employee contributions, and foster professional development and career growth; and
- Increase productivity, correct issues that, if left unattended, may lead to serious problems for the individual and the department, and to meet the internal and external requirements and demands for documentation of individual performance.
Performance Management Process: Timing of Appraisals
Probationary Employee
Probationary employees should be assessed at least once during a full probationary period, preferably at the mid-point of probation. More frequent appraisals may be conducted if the supervisor determines they would be of value.
Employee in a Career Position Who Has Attained Regular Status
An employee’s performance shall be assessed in writing at least once a year, preferably several months before the annual salary review date, whether or not the employee is eligible for a salary increase. For purpose of merit eligibility, the absence of a performance appraisal will result in an employee’s performance being considered as “satisfactory” and therefore merit eligible. While University policy specifies the minimum frequency, appraisals may be conducted as often as the supervisor believes it is necessary to acknowledge the employee for accomplishments and/or to develop action plans for improved performance.
The Performance Management Process
The Performance management process is an on-going process that involves regular discussion between the employee and supervisor. Performance management process includes, at least annually, a performance appraisal. The performance management process should include:
- A review with the employee of job responsibilities, expected outcomes and competencies, if relevant, and setting performance objectives for the review period. This meeting can also include discussions regarding training or development consistent with departmental objectives. Performance objectives and measures should align with leadership expectations and goals.
- Periodic assessments of the employee’s progress toward meeting expected outcomes and objectives and to communicate these assessments when appropriate.
- The supervisor preparing a written assessment of the employee’s progress towards meeting previously discussed and defined expectations and measures. Supervisors are strongly encouraged to initiate discussion with the employee in preparation for the written performance assessment.
- The supervisor preparing the performance appraisal in “final draft” and scheduling a date and time to meet and discuss the employee’s performance appraisal. The “final draft” is intended to allow for employee comments and input regarding information about performance that the manager or supervisor may be unaware. Additionally, divisions or departments, at their discretion, may elect to have employees submit self-assessments prior to preparing the final performance appraisal and conducting the performance appraisal meeting.
Written Appraisal and Assessment
Divisions and department heads (or designees) should use the standardized PSS employee performance appraisal form. This form should include different sections to record an employee’s job-specific duties, responsibilities and competency achievements for the period of time covered by the performance appraisal. The performance appraisal form should also include additional sections for general comments regarding the employee’s performance, the employee’s goals and objectives for the coming year, and a developmental plan to assist the employee in achieving those goals and objectives. In addition, the performance appraisal should include spaces for the signature of the employee, the supervisor, and the next reviewing level, as well as a section for the employee’s comments. It should be noted that an employee’s signature signifies a discussion of the contents of the evaluation, not necessarily agreement with it. In the event an employee refuses to sign the performance appraisal, the supervisor should note that the employee refused to sign and date and sign the appraisal before filing it in the personnel file.
The performance appraisal is a tool for the supervisor and employee to review whether performance expectations and objectives have been met, to discuss professional development opportunities, and to identify options for developing additional skills and knowledge to foster career growth.
The performance appraisal shall be written and shall include:
- Information on the employee’s job duties and key areas of responsibility;
- Comments and ratings on specific areas of responsibility and overall performance in relation to previously established outcomes and objectives;
- Comments and ratings on job specific competencies/standards, if relevant;
- Feedback from clients and input from key stakeholder’s if relevant;
- Feedback specifying where performance improvement is needed;
- Future goals and objectives; and
- Comments addressing opportunities for professional development and options for acquiring additional knowledge and skills to support career growth.
Performance Appraisal Meeting
The performance appraisal meeting between the employee and the supervisor should take place in person. It is also strongly recommended that the meeting be an interactive exchange wherein the employee is encouraged to offer comments, ask questions, and/or make suggestions, as appropriate. In cases where there are performance deficiencies, it is recommended that supervisors:
- Identify the specific performance areas that need improvement;
- Provide the employee with specific feedback and advice regarding how to correct such deficiencies;
- Inform the employee of the measurement criteria to be used in determining a satisfactory level of performance;
- Give the employee a timeframe within which to improve his or her performance, and;
- Supervisors may, at their discretion, develop improvement plans, provide special performance appraisals, schedule weekly follow-up meetings, and/or offer suggestions for additional training and other resources, as needed.
Records
The completed performance appraisal, whether signed or not, shall be filed in the employee’s personnel file in the department office. A copy of the completed performance evaluation shall also be provided to the employee.