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Guide to Tracking Employee Performance

Implement a system so your employees know their goals and what they need to do to reach them.

By John Fuller


Regularly monitoring employee performance enables employers to reward good work and help workers learn about areas they need to improve. It also allows employers to discover gaps in their employee pool that need to be filled. And for determining bonuses or raises, tracking employee performance can reduce the subjective elements of reviews.

A successful employee-tracking program will allow you to:

  1. Track performance down to the individual employee and see how it impacts overall company goals.
  2. Enhance employee development because when clear goals are set, it's easier to meet them.
  3. Make the review process more accurate and less subjective.
  4. Place employees in the correct position and determine what you can reasonably expect from them.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done


Get a software solution

Many companies are using employee performance management (EPM) software to handle evaluations. EPM allows companies to link individual performance to overall company goals.
I recommend: HR Online offers Performance Development Smart Suite with modules to help you better manage every stage of the process online, from evaluation and career planning to administration. Success Factors also offers a suite of software for employee evaluation and tracking.

Keep it simple. And legal.

Your business may not be big enough yet nor have enough employees to justify the expense of an investment in technology to track performance. Check out free sample evaluation forms online that you can tailor to fit your firm.
I recommend: Legal resource site Findlaw offers free sample evaluation forms and tools, and related articles about legal aspects of the hiring and evaluation process.

Do a 360

Many companies have given up traditional reviews entirely and use 360 reviews, which incorporate not only feedback from the supervisor and the employee, but also subordinates and a small group of peers. Done anonymously, they're designed to provide a more complete picture of the employee's strengths and weaknesses.
I recommend: Employee performance management technology firm Halogen Software offers Web-based applications designed to streamline the 360 review process.

Call in the Experts

Instead of creating your own evaluation forms and processes or using software, you may want to look to a consultant to design an evaluation and retention program specifically for your company.
I recommend: Conseo can develop simulation exercises and other tests to evaluate employee skills.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • You're the boss: When using EPM software, don't let the software dictate what type of data you want to use to measure performance.
  • A little patience: EPM systems can take a while to customize, and it may be a while before you see results.
  • It's not just about you: Keep in mind performance tracking isn't just about making life easier for you; it's also about helping your team members reach their potential.
  • Training is key: Getting your employees on board is critical. The best system in the world won't work unless it's used correctly.

The official source of Tracking Employee Performance is
the Performance Appraisal Software page at Business.com

More Featured Listings
Performance Appraisal Software
Top Rated Performance Appraisal Software. Save Time & Money. Quality Employee Performance Appraisals in Half the Time - No More Paper! Free Trial.
Free Trial | Product Tour | Get a Quote
www.HalogenSoftware.com
Performance Appraisal Software Directory
Compare performance appraisal software using Capterra's free, comprehensive directory.
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Related Resources

Recommended Solution Providers

Halogen Software: eAppraisal Software
Web-based system that simplifies and enhances the entire employee performance appraisal process.

HRTools.com: Performance Now
Software to write effective performance reviews with competency rating system.

Success Factors: Small Business
Source for employee performance forms and processes.

Performance Solutions Technology
Goal based performance, project and management software.

HRN: Performance Pro
Supplier of a custom online performance apprasial program.

Conseo: Assessment Center
Uses a job simulation approach to measuring skills, and can include a variety of exercises such as in-baskets, role plays, business analysis and planning exercises, presentations, and group exercises.

Best Sites to Learn More

All Business: Employee Appraisals
Articles on performance appraisals, criticism and coaching.

Entrepreneur: Managing Employees
Articles on managing, disciplining and motivating employees.

Businesstown: Performance Appraisals
Articles and links on performance appraisals and pitfalls.

FindLaw for Small Business
Legal considerations for performance evaluations.

About.com: Performance Management, Evaluation, Review, Improvement
Subtopics, articles and resources covering a variety of employee performance issues.

ManagementHelp.org: Employee Performance Management
Links and perspectives on managing employee performance.

Manager.org: Feedback
Articles on the 360 degree method of employee performance appraisal.



FEATURED LISTINGS
Performance Appraisal Software
Top Rated Performance Appraisal Software. Save Time & Money. Quality Employee Performance Appraisals in Half the Time - No More Paper! Free Trial.
www.HalogenSoftware.com
Performance Appraisal Software Directory
Compare performance appraisal software using Capterra's free, comprehensive directory.
Capterra.com
Microsoft SharePoint® - Free Trial
A Simple, Highly Reliable Collaboration Platform. Download & Test Drive Today!
Microsoft.com/SharePoint
Employee Performance Appraisal Software
Automate Employee Performance Appraisal Process with configurable forms, ratings and workflows. Integrate with Goal Setting & Compensation Planning.
www.empxtrack.com
Automated Performance Appraisals
Automate Employee Evaluations, Manage Goals and Improve Performance. Download a Free Info Kit and Learn How.
SumTotalSystems.com
Performance Appraisals
Done quickly and accurately! See for yourself. 14 day free trial.
ManagerAssistant.com/Appraisals

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