October 13, 2022

In response to feedback from employees, we’re changing how we do annual employee performance reviews to focus more on coaching and mentoring conversations.

Why?

Studies show that very few employees and managers look forward to an annual performance review for a variety of reasons:

  • It can be uncomfortable to sit still and listen while someone speaks all about YOU….good or bad.
  • Some look like a report card with little context… and lower scores stand out in our minds, no matter how much good is discussed in the review.
  • People often don’t come away inspired or excited about the future.

Instead, ingredients for a great review include:

  • Well-rounded feedback from people who see your work (e.g., people who work with you, who receive support from you, who are an involved family member experiencing our services).
  • Engaging in real conversation with your supervisor that involves solving problems, imagining what could be, and planning together.

SO, WHAT WILL CHANGE? 

  • Through our Onward strategic plan, we’re introducing a creative new style for annual performance and development reviews that:
    • Focuses on meaningful discussion,
    • Creates solutions for challenges and roadblocks,
    • Builds relationships,
    • Highly values employee’s insight and input into their future with Christian Horizons
    • and sparks excitement for our work in the year ahead.
  • We’re including an accessible review form for people using services, initiated and designed by the Our Voices Matter self-advocacy group.
  • We’re putting in place tracking mechanisms through the new Human Resources Information System, UKG to help ensure employees experience a review each year and managers are supported through notifications and reminders.

The natural outcomes of this new style of review will be:

  • Connection between supervisors and team members,
  • Discussion about what makes you feel successful, things that challenge you, and how you can meet your goals.
  • Time to talk about challenges and practical solutions to overcome them.
  • And a greater level of participation for employees in identifying their joys, needs and goals for their career with Christian Horizons!