Clare Bowen is the Head of HR Services at JCP Solicitors and provides HR support to many of the firm’s clients. In this series of articles, Clare breaks down standard HR procedures into small and manageable bite sized pieces of information.

Appraisals – what’s the point?

For many business owners and managers the “appraisal time of year” is not one that is welcomed with open arms and is seen by many as pointless paperwork.  At the moment I am speaking with many of my clients about using the New Year as a fresh opportunity for both reviewing and making improvements to their current appraisal systems.  

When done correctly, appraisals can be a fantastic way to motivate your employees through the recognition of their efforts over the last twelve months.  It has been found that appraisal systems can also reduce employee turnover, diagnose training and development needs of the future as well as providing clarity about the expectations you have for your employees’ performance.  Many of our clients feel that their appraisal system also helps to strengthen relationships and communication between management, supervisors and teams.

From an Employment Law perspective, appraisals provide you legal protection if you use them for the monitoring of performance and capability, as they can give you a paper trail to rely on.

Conducting an appraisal is never going to be anyone’s favourite activity, but following these points will help you get the most out of it for your business:

• Show you are committed
• Pay attention
• Give praise
• Give constructive criticism
• Deal with disagreement effectively
• Agree SMART objectives – Specific, Measurable, Agreed, Relevant, Time bound.
• Use appropriate language
• Address issues
• Get employee input

And most importantly, avoid the common pitfalls…!

• Waiting for the appraised to give feedback
• Over emphasising recent performances
• Being TOO positive or TOO negative
• Being critical without being constructive
• Talking not listening
• Setting objectives that are not relevant to the overall business plan

In summary, appraisals are an ideal tool, both for the management of your employees and the productivity of your workforce.  They are also essential should you be considering introducing a bonus system.  For more information about appraisals or for help setting up a system with the correct appraisal questions to suit your business needs, please contact me, Clare Bowen, on 01792 529603 or email me at clare.bowen@jcpsolicitors.co.uk.

Clare Bowen works with clients of JCP Solicitors heading up the Employment Protection Scheme. This scheme provides employers with all the employment documents, policies and procedures required by the law.  The scheme also includes unlimited HR advice, backed up by two qualified Employment Solicitors. There is also an additional option of purchasing an insurance product to cover against claims and compensation.

To learn more about the JCP Employment Protection Scheme and to request a quote to suit your business needs, please contact Clare on 01792 529603 or email clare.bowen@jcpsolicitors.co.uk