Why is it important to assess the performance of each employee at least annually? Assessing an employee’s performance helps ensure that they are accomplishing the goals of their position, contributing to the strategic direction of the organization, and acting in alignment with your organization’s culture.1 Effective performance assessments offer meaningful feedback to employees and can contribute to the creation of a positive work environment.2 Performance assessments can play a role in succession planning and can enable management to intervene if a staff member is encountering challenges. Performance assessments help ensure that any issues are identified and addressed before they negatively impact the organization as a whole or jeopardize the individual’s employment.3
What should be included in a performance review?3
- An assessment of how the employee contributes to your organization’s operational and strategic plans
- Mechanisms for encouraging performance excellence
- A way to determine and address aspects of performance that could be improved
- Identification of personal or professional development needs
- Opportunities for promotion or other work assignments if applicable
- Description of work or career goals
- Consideration for increases in compensation
From "Accreditation Preparation Workbook Section D: Staff Management," Katharine Zywert, Social Prosperity Wood Buffalo at the University of Waterloo, 2013.
- “Human Resources Q & A: Making Performance Management Easy,” Kathline Holmes, Charity Village, August 8th 2011.
- “Trends & Issues: The Art of Performance Management, Nonprofit Style,” The HR Council for the Nonprofit Sector, 2010.
- “HR Management Standards: Second Edition,” HR Council for the Nonprofit Sector, 2011.
Section
Standards Reference Guide