How should an employee review and appraisal process work?
A formal employee review and appraisal process allows for ongoing feedback that encourages people and directs change when necessary. The purpose of the review process is to provide constructive feedback relative to the requirements of the job and job performance. It is important to ensure all employees fully understand the appraisal process. Include positive feedback about what an employee does well. Performance assessments should be specific and include ongoing strategies that will enable employees to increase their skills. Avoiding performance issues ultimately decreases morale, credibility of management and the organization’s overall effectiveness.
How do training and communication factor into a productive work environment?
Staff development and training should be available and ongoing for employees at all levels. Business is constantly changing, so if you’re not constantly training and educating your employees, your company will lose ground to its competitors. Continuous training is essential to keeping employees competent in what they’re doing today and competent in what they’ll be doing in the future.
Communication, as we all know, is vital to everything. Communication between employees and management is a critical component to any organization’s success. An ‘open-door’ management policy encourages communication and reminds employees it is OK to ask questions. Communicating with employees is a continual process. It takes on a variety of different forms and accomplishes a variety of objectives. It serves to educate, advise and instruct.
What kind of ‘family-friendly’ benefits can employers offer?
Many employers find value in offering ‘family-friendly’ benefits that help employees find balance between their work and home lives. These benefits include such things as wellness programs, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), flexible or cafeteria-style benefits plans, and volunteer release time. ‘Family-friendly’ includes a range of benefits and practices that contribute to employee well-being, resulting in reduced stress and increased comfort and security.
Bottom line, why should employers implement best practices strategies?
Increased job satisfaction can lead to better performance and studies show that employees who are satisfied with their jobs tend to be more loyal, remain with the organization longer, provide better customer service and feel less stress. Ultimately, satisfied employees have a positive impact to the employer’s bottom line.
Amy Broadbent is the vice president of JRG Advisors, the management company for ChamberChoice. Reach her at (412) 456-7250 or [email protected].