Canadian employers offering shorter, more frequent performance reviews: survey

More than half of Canadian employers have tweaked how they handle performance reviews over the past two years, according to a new survey by staffing firm OfficeTeam.

Among these employers, 47 per cent shortened the process and 36 per cent increased the frequency of feedback. Just 15 per cent decreased frequency of feedback, while 20 per cent eliminated rating scales and 13 per cent added peer feedback.

While the majority of survey respondents said they’ve recently updated their process, 10 per cent haven’t made changes for five or more years and five per cent have never updated the way they conduct performance reviews. As well, 11 per cent of respondents said they don’t conduct performance reviews at all.

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Performance reviews still bring value to employers, noted Koula Vasilopoulos, district president at OfficeTeam, in a news release. “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.”

Employers also cited several benefits for conducting performance appraisals, including motivating staff by focusing on achievements and goals (36 per cent), helping to formally address poor performance (22 per cent) and making decisions about promotions (18 per cent).

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