January 15, 2019 - A recent survey of human resource managers found that 57 per cent of
Canadian companies have reviewed their performance appraisals in the last 2 years. Conducted on behalf of OfficeTeam, a leading Canadian
staffing service specialising in temporary placement of office and administrative support personnel, the survey was
based on telephone interviews with more than 300 managers in organizations with at least 20 employees.
Almost all HR managers (93 per cent) felt their organization's review process was effective in improving employee performance. Their
reasons included:
- Motivating employees by focusing on achievements and goals (36%).
- Helping formally address poor performance (22%).
- Being able to make decisions about promotions (18%).
Respondents were asked about the frequency of formal performance appraisals. The majority conducted
them annually (70 per cent) with 31 per cent twice a year or quarterly.
Asked "When was the last time your company updated its performance appraisal process?", responses were:
- Within the past year - 21%
- 1-2 years ago - 36%
- 3-4 years ago - 17%
- 5 years ago or more - 10%
- Never - 5%
- We don't have a performance appraisal process - 11%
Asked "How has your company changed its performance appraisal process?" the top responses were:
- Made the process shorter - 47%
- Increased frequency of feedback - 36%
- Eliminated rating scales - 20%
- Decreased frequency of feedback - 15%
- Added peer/360-degree feedback - 13%
Koula Vasilopoulos, district president for OfficeTeam commented:
"Performance reviews are more than just something for managers to check off the list. These discussions support
the growth of individuals and the team overall by offering everyone involved a valuable opportunity to share goals, gain feedback
and address challenges or concerns."
"By simplifying the process and having more frequent check-ins, supervisors are better able to evaluate progress and
recognize accomplishments, while encouraging staff to have an active role in their professional development and success."
