ACAS has been looking into the issue of performance management. It has published new advice that examines what performance management is, why it is important, how to get it right and how to use it properly and effectively to develop staff. This advice is supported by case studies.
In simple terms, most performance management involves managers working with staff to set realistic and measurable goals, keeping a record of how effectively the workers achieve those goals and then using that information either to modify the goals or to identify where additional support or training may be needed.
Done well, performance management should produce an effective staff of workers who feel motivated, engaged and well-supported. The reality often falls far short of this. The research highlights how one in ten employees surveyed found their employer’s performance management system demotivating and saw no evidence of its being used for planning and monitoring training and development.
The new advice comes after it was revealed that only one in four organisations adapt performance management processes to consider staff with disabilities and conditions such as dyslexia and autism.
Part of the new advice is the ACAS guide How to get performance management right, a resource that managers in all organisations should read. It provides a wealth of valuable tips such as the need to avoid surprises (managers should discuss and address problems as they occur, not leave concerns until the end of the year performance review), the importance of avoiding favouritism (managers should use objective criteria to gauge performance to reduce the risk of certain employees seemingly being favoured over others), and the importance of
avoiding discrimination (employers must consider the diversity of their workforce and make sure their arrangements are both fair to all and in line with the Equality Act 2010).
Further training courses and e-learning are offered by ACAS to support those involved in performance management, making it easier and easier for managers at any level and in any type of business to get the best out of their staff.
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