Human Resources
Performance appraisal
Definition
A performance appraisal is a periodic review in which a manager rates an employee's work against agreed goals and standards, then agrees feedback and next steps.
How do you keep a performance appraisal fair?
- Agree goals and measures at the start of the period.
- Collect evidence through the year, not only at review time.
- Use a defined rating scale with examples.
- Discuss the result face to face and record the agreed actions.
What does a performance appraisal feed into?
Results feed pay reviews, a training needs analysis and succession planning. The Employee Performance Management and Appraisal course teaches the full cycle.
Where can you go next?
Courses, checks and reading on the same work.- CourseEmployee Performance Management & Appraisal
- CourseTeam Coaching & Development for Supervisors
- CertificationCertified Compensation & Benefits Manager (CCBM)
- Free online assessmentIs your pay and benefits practice fair and controlled? Free C&B check
- Glossary termTraining needs analysis (TNA)
- Glossary termSuccession planning
- Glossary termHR metrics
Which sources does this page use?
This page states no statutory figures, so it cites no official source.
Updated 20 October 2026. General information from the Certifyd team, not legal, tax or safety advice for your workplace.