How to Write an Employee Evaluation
One of the most important tasks of human resources departments is to write employee evaluations. The future of an employee in any company rests on the employee evaluation form filled out by his or her superiors. Here are some tips to help you write the best possible evaluation for your employee.
Follow the Format
Most companies have a standard form for employee evaluations. The questions are outlined and detailed, where you can give a rank for that aspect of the employee and justify the rank. The standard company form makes it easier for other human resources personnel to read the form and add their own remarks. Following the format of the form is standard operating procedure for most companies.
Be Constructive
What you fill out in the form can make or break the future and tenure of the employee being evaluated. While it’s all right to think of the needs of the employee, it’s very important to frame these needs according to his or her performance to the company. Here are some common questions included in an employee evaluation form:
Attendance. Tardiness and absences can say a lot about the commitment of an employee to the company. You should take note of the employee’s attendance records to come up with a constructive evaluation of his or her performance at work.
Work ethic. An employee’s attitude towards the working day will always reflect on his or her quality of work. Consider things like camaraderie with employees, the employee’s performance with work expected of him or her, and his or her capacity to deliver quality work on time.
Knowledge and skills. Work is not just an application of skills already learned, but the workplace is also a place to learn new skills. Take note of activities like seminars and training programs that the employee attended.
Writing the Evaluation
Many people who write employee evaluations tend to take the middle ground, and write an evaluation form that sounds generic to keep everything “fair” and “right down the middle.” Here are some tips to help you write your remarks objectively:
Emphasize, don’t overplay. An employee evaluation sheet is also used by the employee to improve on points and aspects of his or her work. Emphasize strong points and weak points, but be careful in how you phrase or construct the sentences.
Strike a balance. Some employees may be too sensitive and would complain about their evaluation as being too “harsh” or “shallow.” It’s very important to strike a balance between the pros and cons of the employee’s work habits.
Praise and criticize where necessary. Praise is always good for morale, but objective criticism can greatly help your employee realize his or her mistakes that may cost the company in the long run.
Writing an employee evaluation form does not have to be as difficult as it seems. With these tips, you can help an employee improve on his or her tasks in the company for the good of the business, and for his or her personal growth as well.