Performance Reviews: Tips for Providing Feedback

Let's say you run a restaurant. It is high summer season and the months have been hectic. You know that some of your employees have exceeded expectations, while others need to work harder to reach their potential. But with all the chaos and turmoil, how can you assess everyone and make sure they're performing up to scratch?

The answer lies in running and writing performance reviews. After all, you can't be great at running a small business unless you know how to evaluate your employees' performance.

Performance reviews are the perfect way to formally assess how well team members have performed on their tasks over a period of time. They also open the door to sharing feedback and setting expectations.

Performance reviews aren't easy though: you need to be prepared and know what you're doing. We'll cover the steps to conduct effective performance reviews and also share tips on how to write them effectively.

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6 tips for managing employee performance reviews

Hiring and onboarding the right team is only part of the puzzle: you need to nurture and develop their potential through regular feedback.

Performance reviews are like annual tune-ups for your car. Much like taking your vehicle to the mechanic to make sure it is running smoothly and efficiently, assessments allow you to assess and fine-tune the overall health and performance of your business and team members.

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Reviews improve employee retention, boost morale, and create a positive work environment. And here are six tips for conducting them effectively:

1. Exchange regular and informal feedback with team members

Do you know the feeling of being completely caught off guard by negative comments? In these situations, you probably would have liked to be warned.

This is why regular, informal employee check-ins are so important. They allow you to share real-time feedback and fix issues before they become big problems.

Cultivate a team culture where feedback is valued and encouraged. Make it clear that regular, informal feedback is part of the normal job of your small business and is aimed at growth and improvement rather than criticism or judgment.

Also, instead of just offering feedback, encourage team members to reflect on their own performance. Individuals can then develop a deeper understanding of their strengths and areas for improvement, fostering a sense of ownership over their growth and development.

You can use the Homebase employee messaging app to celebrate a great job, share congratulations on a job well done, and exchange casual feedback.

2. Take the time to meet in person

Face-to-face meetings with team members allow for more meaningful and authentic conversations. It also facilitates clearer communication and strengthens interpersonal relationships.

For example, if you run a restaurant, simply handing out an employee evaluation form won't be enough: you need to meet people face-to-face, talk to them, and have constructive discussions about their performance in real time.

So set aside dedicated time slots for individual performance review meetings. Make it a priority and make sure you and the staff member will have plenty of time and won't be rushed.

Homebase scheduling provides full visibility into employee schedules, so managers can check when it's...