News: Telephone and Writing Skills
Employees cynical about appraisals
03 December 2007
A new study indicates that appraisals, when managers may talk to their staff about any telephone skills training they are undergoing, are often considered a waste of time.
Worryingly the research, which was carried out by Investors in People, found that nearly half of the employees in the UK thought that their boss is not honest with them in their appraisal.
Many managers just see annual reviews - traditionally where staff can air their views about their jobs and managers can track any training being done - as a 'tick-box' exercise.
Only a fifth of the 3,000 people polled said they thought their manager would always act on what is discussed, and 20 per cent say that their boss rarely or never follows up on concerns raised.
"Appraisals should always cover past performance and objectives, but equally important are discussions of future targets and opportunities," said Investors in People's Simon Jones, Personnel Today reports.
"It's a great chance for managers to make sure their employees feel challenged and valued for the year ahead, rather than unmotivated and without guidance."
