Performance Evaluation Program

Performance Evaluation Program Frequently asked Questions and Answers 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Q. A. Why is the performance evaluation process being conducted? Q. A. Who will be evaluated during the performance evaluation process? Q. A. Who should evaluate the employee? Q. A. What period of time should these evaluations cover? Q. A. What are the essential steps of the performance evaluation process? The performance evaluation process is a key tool in helping managers to evaluate the performance of eligible Local 2324 represented employees, inform them of how well they are performing their job duties, and discuss how their goals align with overall department and University objectives. All current Local 2324 represented employees and exempt employees who have completed the probationary period on or before April 1 st of the current year. The supervisor/exempt staff member responsible for the daily supervision of the employee should prepare the evaluation and discuss it with the employee. The performance period begins in June through the date of the evaluation. For new employees hired during the year, the performance period begins on the date of hire. The process begins with the supervisor reviewing the position responsibilities, duties, and knowledge required by the individual's position, as well as the goals set in the last performance evaluation. The position description can be found in SAP. Next, the supervisor rates the employee’s performance on a 1-5 scale, and describes the employee’s achievements against performance expectations, as well as areas for development. The comments should include specific examples wherever possible of performance, and the supervisor's evaluation of those areas which either exceeded expectations, or fell short of the expected level of performance. Where internal department processes require, the supervisor should forward the review to the appropriate Dean, Director or Department Head for review. 6. Q. When should I talk to my employee about his/her performance evaluation? A. After the Performance Evaluation forms have been completed and performance ratings are approved by the appropriate Dean, Director or Department Head, the supervisor should meet with each employee to discuss the evaluation. At this meeting, the supervisor should discuss the results of the performance evaluation with the employee, and establish goals for the coming year. At the end of the meeting, the employee should be given time to comment on the evaluation and sign the Performance Evaluation form and return it to the supervisor. If, after an appropriate interval, (24 hours), the employee declines to sign the form, a note may be added indicating that a performance evaluation review meeting was held, the date of the meeting, and that the employee declined to sign the form. For further information on this subject, turn to “The Performance Appraisal Review Meeting”. The form should then be forwarded to your Dean, Director or Department Head, who will upload it to the Office of Human Resources. 7. 8. 9. Q. A. Can we modify the University Performance Evaluation form? Q. A. Can employees complete a self-evaluation? Q. A. Where can I access the Performance Evaluation Forms? No, the form should not be modified; however additional feedback may be provided via a separate Word document and attached to the review. Yes, although not required, a manager or supervisor may offer an employee the opportunity to complete a self-evaluation. The self-evaluated may be “cut and pasted” into the “Goals and “Accomplishments” section, or attached as a separate document. The L2324 form can be accessed on the Human Resources website. The form can be downloaded and saved to your computer and will have text field boxes for you to enter information. The standard sections of the forms are not modifiable. Preparing the Performance Evaluation Form Check List:  Review the Position Description before rating the employee.  Review the goals established for the performance period last year before writing the evaluation.  Where internal process requires, consult with your Dean, Director or Department Head before meeting with the employee.  Evaluate the employee on the performance of his or her duties as described on the position description, against goals established for the performance period, and against performance expectations.  Use concrete and representative examples of performance wherever possible.  Review the rating scale and criteria for each rating to ensure your evaluation is appropriate.  Consider the entire performance review period in making your evaluation.  Rate each employee on actual past performance and not on potential performance.  Base performance comments on instances of performance which you have either observed or which have come to your personal attention.  Identify areas of growth and development.  Establish goals with expected outcomes for the upcoming performance period. The Performance Evaluation Review Meeting What is a Performance Evaluation Review Meeting? A review meeting is a one-on-one, in person meeting between the supervisor and employee to discuss the employee’s performance. It is a mutual discussion of how well the employee met his or her goals, how to enhance impact and effectiveness, and future development needs. The review meeting usually involves the supervisor in two different roles: evaluator and coach. As the evaluator, the supervisor assesses the employee's work, measures results against expectations, and prepares a written evaluation. As coach, the supervisor's advises the employee and assists in addressing work- related challenges. In the coach role, the supervisor can help the employee to weigh alternatives, consider consequences, or suggest specific actions to improve outcomes or enhance performance. How Does the Supervisor Prepare for the Meeting? There are several things a supervisor can do to ensure the performance evaluation discussion is productive: • Review the Position Description This helps to refresh your understanding of the duties and responsibilities of the position. • Review the goals established at the last evaluation, and the employee’s achievements against those goals. • Notify the Employee Provide the employee with advance notice of the date and time and purpose for the meeting so he or she can prepare as well. • Arrange an Appropriate Setting The setting for the meeting often reflects the importance of the meeting to the supervisor. A location should be selected that is free of telephone or visitor interruptions. This should signal to the employee that the meeting is a serious priority and not just a procedural formality. • Arrange a Convenient Time A performance discussion meeting typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour. • Prepare Outline/Agenda for the Meeting Pre-planning issues to be discussed helps to make the discussion productive. An outline can help to focus on the content, manage time appropriately, and ensure that all salient points are covered. • Prepare a Copy of the Completed, Signed Evaluation for the Employee A copy of the completed, signed Performance Evaluation form should be given to the employee either during or after the meeting. What Happens During the Performance Evaluation Review Meeting? The meeting should focus on: • • • Past performance against goals and expectations; Goals for the upcoming performance period; The employee’s development (acquisition of specific skills, on the-job training, growth opportunities, areas for performance improvement) The outcome of this discussion should be a clear understanding of the employee’s achievements during the performance period, strengths and development areas, and how the employee can improve his or her impact going forward. Meeting with The Employee Check List:  Meet with the employee in a private place with uninterrupted time to discuss the evaluation.  Allow the employee to read the form.  Be specific in your discussion with the employee about his or her strengths and development areas.  Clearly indicate what kind of improvement you wish to see and how that employee could meet your expectations.  Coach the employee on how to strengthen his or her impact.  Allow the employee the opportunity to tell you how he or she feels he or she is performing.  Have the employee sign the form to verify that they have received it and understand it will be placed in their employment file. (Should an employee not want to sign, you may sign for them “Employee declined to sign.” then date the note and add your signature.)