Types of Performance Appraisal Systems

How many times have you written a performance appraisal and had to print it out for someone else's review and comments? Have you had to wait for someone to return from a business trip or vacation in order to submit their performance review late? If your answer is "too many to count" and "Absolutely"—then online performance appraisals can make life much easier.Accessible from anywhereHaving an online performance appraisal system allows you access to the data from anywhere—all you need is an Internet connection. Simply log on to your web-based program and view all necessary forms, as well as employee profile information and self-assessments. You can also solicit 360-degree assessments and electronically route the final performance appraisal to HR for approvals and signatures. Now, performance reviews can be written anywhere, at any time— eliminating age-old problems associated with a paper system, such as with tracking down people for missing forms or signatures!Online writing assistants and coachesHave you ever stared at a blank page looking for just the right word to describe someone's skill level or performance or worried that the review you've written isn't the best choice from a legal standpoint? A well-designed online performance appraisal system allows you to create customized reviews with suggestions from built-in writing assistants that help you find the "right word" and offer legal-scan functions that double-check each review from a legal perspective. Such built-in scans can identify and flag words that may be legally sensitive, explain the legal considerations, and offer suggestions for alternative wording. Managers can also receive specific suggestions for coaching employees on office communications, interpersonal skills, and other competencies. These tools not only make it easier for managers to deliver quality feedback, but also make things clearer for the employee and enabling the employee to be more successful reaching his or her goals.Make performance decisions based upon real-time dataSometimes it's hard to remember all the projects your team has been working on throughout the year when it's time to write their annual performance appraisal. An online system enables managers the ability to collect performance data throughout the entire review period, acting as a system of record. So, when you are writing performance reviews, you have a more accurate picture of the employee's performance instead of what's available only in your recent memory. With access to the information available at all times, managers are more in touch with their employees' progress—during every phase of goal completion, and can offer immediate reinforcement or coaching to keep performance and deadlines on track. Team metrics can be reviewed to calculate pay-for-performance bonuses, raises and promotions using the most up-to-date information. And, when positions open due to attrition or promotion, you have the information readily available to fill these vacancies with qualified personnel.Goal AccountabilityAccountability and monitoring of goals are linked together within an online appraisal system, allowing managers to ensure employees are held accountable for goals set. Employees can record progress on the goals listed within the online system and their managers can review the status at any time. This convenient access keeps everyone accountable and on track for success.Once employees clearly understand their individual goals, management can also communicate how individual goals relate to the company's goals. This practice naturally creates more engaged employees who begin focusing on ways to work smarter and more efficiently. This boost in employee productivity naturally leads to increased profitability for the company. Aligning individual goals and company goals is key to establishing a true pay-for-performance culture at your company by providing the foundation for closely linking reward systems wit