Appraisals don’t work …. A common workplace myth
If you’ve thought appraisals are just a box-ticking exercise or a painful annual ritual, you’re not alone.
But the problem isn’t appraisals themselves, it’s how they’re often done. When handled poorly, appraisals can feel pointless and unproductive.
That said, when done right, they can be a game-changer for your team and business.
Why appraisals get a bad rep
❌ Too infrequent: Waiting an entire year to give feedback is like trying to steer a ship by looking at last year’s map.
❌ One-sided conversations: Employees don’t want to just listen; they want to be heard too.
❌ Focus on the past, not the future: Dwelling on what went wrong instead of planning for growth kills motivation.
❌ Generic goals: Vague targets like “do better” or “work harder” don’t inspire action or results.
How to make appraisals work
Appraisals aren’t inherently broken, they just need a fresh approach. Here’s how to flip this:
1. Make it more frequent
Don’t wait for an annual meeting to share feedback. Regular check-ins keep communication flowing and help employees to course-correct where needed much more quickly.
2. Focus on growth, not just performance
Yes, reviewing performance is important… but don’t stop there. Use appraisals to set goals, explore career aspirations and offer development opportunities.
3. Create a two-way street
Appraisals should be two-way conversations, not lectures. Give employees the chance to share their experiences, challenges and ideas and see engagement in this process massively improve.
4. Celebrate wins
Take time to acknowledge what’s going well. Recognition during appraisals can leave employees feeling motivated and appreciated.
5. Tailor goals to the individual
One-size-fits-all targets don’t inspire anyone. Collaborate on specific, achievable goals that align with the employee’s strengths and your business objectives.
Final thoughts
Appraisals don’t have to feel like a chore. When done consistently, collaboratively and with a focus on growth, they become opportunities to motivate, connect and drive performance.
So, let’s stop saying “Appraisals don’t work”, and instead ask “How can we make this work better?”
If you would like to discuss how you can get the most from Appraisals in your business, arrange a confidential chat with Kat, our HR Director here
Author's Bio
Kat Derbyshire is the Founder of Black Kat HR Ltd.
She is a BMC Trusted Partner.
Black Kat HR are an independent HR consultancy who work with a variety of companies both on one-off projects and on a retainer basis.
An expert in her field, Kat can be contacted on [email protected]
