Performance appraisal is a task with which employers and supervisors are faced. In order to keep production, employee morale, and relations at the optimal level, there must be some sort of employee evaluation established in any company or corporation. These appraisals of performance provide the employer with useful information for decision-making on promotions, salary changes, transfers, and terminations. Appraisals are useful tools for both recognizing merit and becoming aware of performance problems
Evaluations are difficult things for both employers and employees, especially in light of the rapidly changing work forces and work places of the 21 st CenturyEmployers are confused as to what criteria accurately assess an employee's level of performance. Along the same lines, employees are concerned that their skills will be unfairly represented by evaluations that often have a direct effect on pay changes. Though employees do not always like to have their performance appraised, it is usually beneficial. There are, however, some cases in which the employee finds herself short-shifted by the appraisal. Rating categories can be subjective, with the potential for a great deal of bias (i.e. rating employee "attitude"). Questions may even arise as to the legality of decisions based on poor performance appraisals with faulty or questionable criteria. Still, without evaluations, companies could find themselves with almost chaotic work situations while employees find themselves at loose ends with little insight into the quality of their work.
In sum, there are many different types of performance appraisals in effect in the working world. The widely diversified methods provide an extensive variety from which employers can choose a model for their own procedures. With a few good managing skills and a good sense of humor, many of the potential problems can be avoided, and employee evaluations can be more pleasant experiences for everyone involved.
The following is a list of sites with examples of performance evaluation guidelines and forms:
Lab Assistant Performance Evaluation
Performance Evaluation Policy Example
Employee Performance Evaluations-- More Information
