Four performance management tips to boost productivity

Employee retention and development are being placed at the heart of business strategy as the importance of reaching maximum productivity is realised – here are four ways you can improve employee productivity

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Robert Half

Experts have stated that team project performance is significantly higher when managers provide frequent recognition and encouragement. An effective manager will know that performance management should leave employees feeling inspired and empowered rather than stifled.

Performance management techniques used by organisations can be diverse, with each opting for a framework which suits the size, agility and targets of the team. Here are a range of quality management techniques to manage team performance.

Regular performance reviews

Booking in time for regular performance reviews has become more important since the introduction of different generations into the workplace.

Reviews should ideally strike a balance between both positive and negative feedback, employee KPIs (key performance indicators) which keep the business’ long-term goals in mind and should be as collaborative as possible, taking your employee’s own career goals into consideration.

Give them a sense of empowerment

Empowerment is a great performance management technique for driving staff motivation. Allow your employees to use their expertise and creativity by giving them projects which encourage them to take a proactive role.

Imposing too many rules can have a negative effect on how productive and engaged employees are, so try to make sure that the mix is even.

Giving them freedom is important in helping to develop critical workplace skills and make more meaningful contributions. 

Employee development plans

Encouraging employees and helping them to achieve their aspirations is vital, they need to feel heard, and if progression and encouragement is not there, they are more likely to seek it elsewhere.

Sit down with your employees and flesh out a development plan which serves needs of the business as well as those of the employee. This should include employee training, targets and metrics which they have specific influence over, and clear rewards for success.

Be consistent

Remaining consistent in the practice and implementation of performance management techniques will help encourage employee buy-in. Goals should be clear, unmoving and measurable for forward-thinking development as well as retroactive.

Employees will only feel motivated to work productively towards KPIs set for them if they’re confident they won’t be changed due to inconsistencies in their manager’s mood or agenda.