{"id":86967,"date":"2022-11-29T10:13:57","date_gmt":"2022-11-29T18:13:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/?p=86967"},"modified":"2024-06-18T04:30:38","modified_gmt":"2024-06-18T11:30:38","slug":"guide-to-managing-employee-performance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/magazine\/guide-to-managing-employee-performance\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to Managing Employee Performance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-ht-block-toc is-style-contrasted htoc htoc--position-wide toc-list-style-plain\" data-htoc-state=\"expanded\"><span class=\"htoc__title\"><span class=\"ht_toc_title\">Table of Contents<\/span><span class=\"htoc__toggle\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\"><g fill=\"#444\"><path d=\"M15 7H1c-.6 0-1 .4-1 1s.4 1 1 1h14c.6 0 1-.4 1-1s-.4-1-1-1z\"><\/path><path d=\"M15 1H1c-.6 0-1 .4-1 1s.4 1 1 1h14c.6 0 1-.4 1-1s-.4-1-1-1zM15 13H1c-.6 0-1 .4-1 1s.4 1 1 1h14c.6 0 1-.4 1-1s-.4-1-1-1z\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/span><\/span><div class=\"htoc__itemswrap\"><ul class=\"ht_toc_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-why-is-performance-management-important\">Why is performance management important?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-4-ways-to-help-managers-to-enable-better-performance\">4 ways to help managers to enable better performance<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-implement-a-regular-check-in-processes\">Implement a regular check-in processes<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-enable-transparent-communication\">Enable transparent communication<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-provide-direction-for-offering-feedback-in-the-flow-of-work\">Provide direction for offering feedback in the flow of work<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-develop-templates-for-regular-growth-conversations\">Develop templates for regular growth conversations<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-what-influences-employee-performance\">What influences employee performance?<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-workplace-culture\">Workplace culture<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-recognition\">Recognition<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-growth-opportunities\">Growth opportunities<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-clarity-of-objectives\">Clarity of objectives<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-5-best-practices-for-measuring-the-performance-of-employees\">5 best practices for measuring the performance of employees<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-have-clear-expectations\">Have clear expectations<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-implement-smart-goals\">Implement SMART goals<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-set-measurable-okrs\">Set measurable OKRs<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-define-your-employee-performance-metrics\">Define your employee performance metrics<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-adopt-modern-performance-management-tools-and-software\">Adopt modern performance management tools and software<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-3-performance-management-scenario-examples\">3 performance management scenario examples<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-managing-a-remote-sales-team\">Managing a remote sales team<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-managing-a-hybrid-call-center-team\">Managing a hybrid call center team<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-managing-a-cross-functional-team\">Managing a cross-functional team<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-fostering-great-employee-work-performance\">Fostering great employee work performance<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Effectively managing employee performance has stumped employers for decades, and nailing down the right approach in a constantly changing world has proven to be even more challenging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As an HR leader, you play an essential role in developing effective performance management processes, setting them in the proper organizational context, and empowering managers with the resources they need to drive better performance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While every organization will have its own approach, many elements of good performance management are constant. Use our guide to managing employee performance to learn what\u2019s most important for your organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-is-performance-management-important\">Why is performance management important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Left unmanaged, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/magazine\/impact-of-goal-setting-on-employee-performance\/\">employee performance<\/a> can be unpredictable, which means your business will be unpredictable. But by taking an active role in managing performance, you can provide clarity, direction, and purpose to empower your employees to be their best at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to distinguish between performance management today and legacy performance management processes. Older processes were incomplete and focused on a backward-looking annual review process. Modern approaches to performance management seek to align efforts with organizational goals and develop each employee\u2019s potential in real time. These processes focus on enabling performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The unrelenting pace of change in today\u2019s workplace calls for a versatile and resilient workforce. Performance enablement empowers employees to contribute their best, learn every day, and drive business impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"What Is Modern Performance Management?\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/952102125?dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-ways-to-help-managers-to-enable-better-performance\">4 ways to help managers to enable better performance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Direct managers are the key to unlocking each team member\u2019s potential. Yet one-third of employees we surveyed for our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/the-state-of-performance-enablement\/\">State of Performance Enablement<\/a> research report revealed that they don\u2019t have one-on-one check-ins to discuss feedback and growth more than twice per year. And 10% of employees said they rarely or never receive actionable feedback from their direct managers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the organizations where those employees work, the need is simple: Prioritize feedback, and train managers to harness the power of communication and feedback to empower better performance. You can help managers in this pursuit in four key ways.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div class=\"recommended-read-notice\">Recommended Read<\/div> \n        <div class=\"recommended-read-box\">\n            <div class=\"recommended-read-image\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Develop-Better-Managers-With-Employee-Feedback-Prescriptive-Coaching.jpg\" alt=\"\">\n            <\/div>          \n            <div class=\"recommended-read-text\">\n                <div class=\"recommended-read-categories\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/magazine\/category\/vantage-point\/manager-enablement\/\">Manager Enablement<\/a><\/div>\n                <div class=\"recommended-read-title\">Develop Better Managers With Employee Feedback &#038; Prescriptive Coaching<\/div>\n                <div><a class=\"recommended-read-cta\" href=\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/magazine\/develop-better-managers-with-employee-feedback-prescriptive-coaching\/\">Read Now<\/a><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-implement-a-regular-check-in-processes\"><strong>Implement a regular check-in processes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Managers are often an employee\u2019s primary point of contact within the business, especially in hybrid and remote working environments. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.g2.com\/articles\/employee-monitoring\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Regular and frequent check-in processes<\/a> help managers and team members stay connected and build relationships. Structured conversations, which are scheduled and follow a question template, are part of an established performance management practice. \u2018Anytime conversations\u2019 are less formal and can resolve urgent needs or provide additional guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Define the frequency for these check-ins, even as you let managers and employees figure out exact times and agendas. Weekly check-ins empower employees to receive feedback, ask questions, and raise concerns early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider using performance management software that integrates with the software managers already use daily. For example, integrating check-ins within the manager\u2019s calendar or <a href=\"https:\/\/thedigitalprojectmanager.com\/tools\/best-task-management-software\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">task management software<\/a> can help them stay on track and make these check-ins a habit rather than an afterthought<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-enable-transparent-communication\"><strong>Enable transparent communication<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To <a href=\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/magazine\/how-goals-and-conversations-empower-employee-performance\/\">empower employee performance<\/a> means enabling two-way communication between employees and managers. Create channels where employees can reach out to managers and receive guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An employee may receive a last-minute assignment, for example, and need help prioritizing or redistributing their workload. They need to be able to access their manager to get that help. Slack, Microsoft Teams, or your task management software\u2019s chat feature are good options. The organization\u2019s role is to clearly communicate the needs and set expectations, so managers and employees know where to turn.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div class=\"recommended-read-notice\">Recommended Read<\/div> \n        <div class=\"recommended-read-box\">\n            <div class=\"recommended-read-image\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/06-03-2022-EmpowerHR-What-Does-it-Mean-to-Be-a-Manager-Today-and-How-Can-You-Help-New-Managers-Succeed-660x660-1.jpg\" alt=\"\">\n            <\/div>          \n            <div class=\"recommended-read-text\">\n                <div class=\"recommended-read-categories\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/magazine\/category\/vantage-point\/manager-enablement\/\">Manager Enablement<\/a><\/div>\n                <div class=\"recommended-read-title\">3 Ways HR Can Better Support Managers<\/div>\n                <div><a class=\"recommended-read-cta\" href=\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/magazine\/hr-helping-managers-succeed\/\">Read Now<\/a><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-provide-direction-for-offering-feedback-in-the-flow-of-work\"><strong>Provide direction for offering feedback in the flow of work<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Real-time feedback is essential to good performance management, but many managers don\u2019t feel equipped to offer it. They need training to recognize when an employee is struggling with their tasks and how to proactively address such performance rather than ignoring it or bringing it up much later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When employees get feedback in the form of coaching from managers in the flow of work, they can adjust their behavior and mindset. This exchange can build trust because employees see their managers want to help them improve. Moreover, employees aren\u2019t surprised by feedback that only arrives weeks or months later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Provide conversation prompts to get managers started. Opening a conversation about a performance problem is often the most challenging part; prompts can give managers the confidence they need to create that dialogue. Train managers to ask questions that diagnose a problem\u2019s cause and listen when employees express concerns about tasks or processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-develop-templates-for-regular-growth-conversations\"><strong>Develop templates for regular growth conversations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The annual review epitomizes the traditional performance management process. The manager typically dominated these reviews and looked backward rather than forward. Modern-day performance management considers past behavior, but it is a more frequent and collaborative process between manager and employee. Modern performance conversations aim to determine how best to empower each team member and push toward achieving high-priority business goals, as opposed to measuring past work and \u201cgrading\u201d or ranking employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Performance enablement conversations are nuanced and require thoughtfulness and tact. They aren\u2019t easy to have, and many managers haven\u2019t been trained to conduct effective performance conversations. HR leaders can provide <a href=\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/magazine\/performance-review-template\/\">performance review templates<\/a> outlining when managers should have formal growth conversations (at least once a quarter is recommended) and prompts for asking the right questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Include prompts for employee self-assessments, too. Employees have unique insight into their performance, strengths, and weaknesses. The right software can help managers securely collect this information from employees and use it to begin safe, forward-looking conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Build templates into your performance management software so managers can access updated prompts and record conversation highlights to inform future meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"580\" src=\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/ManagingEmployeePerformance-SEOblog-11-29-2022-Internal-1024x580.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86968\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/ManagingEmployeePerformance-SEOblog-11-29-2022-Internal-1024x580.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/ManagingEmployeePerformance-SEOblog-11-29-2022-Internal-980x555.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/ManagingEmployeePerformance-SEOblog-11-29-2022-Internal-480x272.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-influences-employee-performance\">What influences employee performance?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s more to managing performance than changing how managers and employees interact. Several other factors influence individual employee performance at the structural level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-workplace-culture\"><strong>Workplace culture<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your workplace culture influences every aspect of the employee experience, including performance management.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Culture is what your organization values, prioritizes, and rewards. If employees feel that your organization values being visible in the office, they\u2019re more likely to spend more time in the office \u2014 even if that doesn\u2019t improve their performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, empowering employee growth and development signals that you value each employee\u2019s contributions and outcomes and want to invest in their potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep in mind that organizational culture isn\u2019t monolithic. Different departments, teams, and locations might have their own micro-cultures, each with their own norms and values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-recognition\"><strong>Recognition<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Recognition is a key part of a good performance management program. Acknowledging and appreciating each employee\u2019s good work and the value they drive for the business gives each team member confidence and pride. This can elevate morale and, in turn, lead employees to invest even more in improving their performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Implement recognition at the organizational level by incorporating it into check-in structures. One way to do this is by including shout-outs during team and all-hands meetings and encouraging individuals to recognize each other, too.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div class=\"recommended-read-notice\">Recommended Read<\/div> \n        <div class=\"recommended-read-box\">\n            <div class=\"recommended-read-image\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/5-Best-Practices-for-Employee-Recognition.jpg\" alt=\"\">\n            <\/div>          \n            <div class=\"recommended-read-text\">\n                <div class=\"recommended-read-categories\"><a href=\"\/performance-management\/\">Performance Management<\/a><\/div>\n                <div class=\"recommended-read-title\">5 Best Practices for Employee Recognition<\/div>\n                <div><a class=\"recommended-read-cta\" href=\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/magazine\/5-best-practices-for-employee-recognition\/\">Read Now<\/a><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-growth-opportunities\"><strong>Growth opportunities<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The ability to progress and grow can be a powerful performance motivator. When employees feel supported in their career and development goals, they\u2019ll be more likely to engage with their work and perform at a higher level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider building a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/magazine\/integrated-talent-management-solutions\/\">talent marketplace<\/a> to empower internal mobility. This allows you to communicate opportunities to team members, catalog the skills you have within your workforce, and help employees determine how they need to grow to reach their professional goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-clarity-of-objectives\"><strong>Clarity of objectives<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>At the highest level, good objectives start with the business strategy. To align goals across the organization, the leadership team has to set clear objectives and make the business priorities clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With HR\u2019s guidance, department heads can then take these objectives to their teams and collaborate to determine how they can drive the business forward. This alignment process continues until managers can take their team\u2019s objectives and work with employees to set individual goals. This alignment process won\u2019t stay on track unless you have clear objectives in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"580\" src=\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/ManagingEmployeePerformance-SEOblog-11-29-2022-Internal2-1024x580.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86969\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/ManagingEmployeePerformance-SEOblog-11-29-2022-Internal2-1024x580.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/ManagingEmployeePerformance-SEOblog-11-29-2022-Internal2-980x555.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/ManagingEmployeePerformance-SEOblog-11-29-2022-Internal2-480x272.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-best-practices-for-measuring-the-performance-of-employees\">5 best practices for measuring the performance of employees<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You won\u2019t know that performance is improving unless you track it using clear metrics. Use these best practices to ensure you\u2019re tracking the right information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-have-clear-expectations\"><strong>Have clear expectations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The strongest measure of performance is whether employees are achieving performance expectations (i.e., outcomes). However, misalignment between what managers expect from employees and what they think they deliver can skew your results. Make sure managers and employees are on the same page with performance expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-implement-smart-goals\"><strong>Implement SMART goals<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Setting objectives that check each box makes tracking their progress much easier. Have employees clearly state their goals and the specific actions they plan to take to achieve them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-set-measurable-okrs\"><strong>Set measurable OKRs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Objectives and key results are a goal-setting framework that clarifies what you\u2019re trying to achieve and outlines how you\u2019ll know you\u2019ve succeeded. Key results are required events, outcomes, or milestones that indicate progress toward objectives. Finding the right key results for each objective creates a more transparent performance measurement process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-define-your-employee-performance-metrics\"><strong>Define your employee performance metrics<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Metrics cover qualitative and quantitative measures that managers and employees have agreed upon for measuring performance against expectations. These metrics will look different across organizations and job roles. Generally, employee performance metrics can indicate work efficiency, the number of errors made (or saved), or the revenue driven by each employee. Be transparent about what you\u2019re tracking and how you\u2019ll measure it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-adopt-modern-performance-management-tools-and-software\"><strong>Adopt modern performance management tools and software<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Data generated by performance appraisals and metrics can be challenging to collect and evaluate manually. Performance management software can streamline and automate data collection and inform analysis over time. Ideally, you can see where performance is improving, stagnating, or declining without waiting until the evaluation period ends. Templates and prompts within your performance management software can help managers understand performance data and make informed inferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"580\" src=\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/ManagingEmployeePerformance-SEOblog-11-29-2022-Internal3-1024x580.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86970\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/ManagingEmployeePerformance-SEOblog-11-29-2022-Internal3-1024x580.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/ManagingEmployeePerformance-SEOblog-11-29-2022-Internal3-980x555.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/ManagingEmployeePerformance-SEOblog-11-29-2022-Internal3-480x272.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-performance-management-scenario-examples\">3 performance management scenario examples<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What does modern performance management look like in practice? These scenarios demonstrate how to apply sound performance management principles in practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-managing-a-remote-sales-team\"><strong>Managing a remote sales team<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider how sales leaders have adapted to <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tmetric.com\/how-to-collaborate-with-your-remote-team\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">manage remote teams<\/a>. As the day-to-day sales environment has changed, so must performance management. You\u2019ve likely updated your <a href=\"https:\/\/snov.io\/glossary\/outbound-sales\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">outbound sales<\/a> training to account for an increase in video sales meetings. Likewise, onboarding processes should include online modules, and performance conversations should accommodate phone and video calls.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.close.com\/guides\/manage-remote-sales-teams\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Remote sales teams<\/a> have had to communicate more in a virtual environment, which has likely been a significant change for reps who historically met with prospects in person. The sales manager plays a key role in shifting sales processes and managing remote workers, but they also need support from HR leaders and software. Amidst these changes, maintaining a focus on <a href=\"https:\/\/outfunnel.com\/sales-productivity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sales productivity<\/a> becomes crucial for the overall success of remote sales teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-managing-a-hybrid-call-center-team\"><strong>Managing a hybrid call center team<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hybrid teams are becoming more common, which can add complexity to performance management. Fairly managing performance with a hybrid team can be challenging for managers, especially when it\u2019s a new process. In these scenarios, it\u2019s even more important to manage employees by objectives to avoid giving preference to people based on whether or how often they\u2019re in the office (i.e., proximity bias).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a hybrid <a href=\"https:\/\/phonexa.com\/blog\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-a-dedicated-call-center\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">call center team<\/a>, for example, managing by objectives could mean focusing on metrics like time to resolution or the number of calls needed for resolution. Those metrics focus on outcomes and customer satisfaction \u2014 factors within each employee\u2019s control. Regularly scheduled check-ins are also important to provide every employee with feedback and development.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cloudtalk.io\/blog\/how-to-start-a-virtual-call-center\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Call center<\/a> employees working from central job sites might have greater visibility into growth opportunities if HR leaders and managers aren\u2019t careful. Make sure that growth opportunities are easily visible across the organization \u2014 ideally, in a centralized place every employee can access without needing to be on-site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-managing-a-cross-functional-team\"><strong>Managing a cross-functional team<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cross-functional teams can be challenging to manage because team members are in new environments, with new teammates and, in many cases, managers they haven\u2019t worked with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cross-functional team leaders must focus on performance outcomes. It\u2019s even more important for managers to be clear about what they expect from each employee and how they\u2019ll measure performance, especially across job responsibilities and functions. Develop prompts and other resources that help managers communicate performance expectations and fairly measure them while accounting for each employee\u2019s circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-fostering-great-employee-work-performance\">Fostering great employee work performance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Managing employee performance is an ongoing lesson in communication, planning, feedback, and growth. That\u2019s why HR leaders have such an essential role in creating the infrastructure that empowers managers to keep abreast of what their employees are doing, remove roadblocks, and help employees reach their full potential. When employees feel supported in their roles and are encouraged to seek out growth opportunities, they can optimize their performance to drive business results.<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/magazine\/3-ways-to-improve-work-performance\/\">Learn how to improve employee performance<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Effectively managing employee performance has stumped employers for decades, and nailing down the right approach in a constantly changing world has proven to be even more challenging. As an HR leader, you play an essential role in developing effective performance management processes, setting them in the proper organizational context, and empowering managers with the resources [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":111,"featured_media":86972,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","content-type":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3307],"tags":[],"featured_location":[],"industry":[],"class_list":["post-86967","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-performance-management"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v18.1 (Yoast SEO v23.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What Is HR\u2019s Role in Managing Employee Performance? - Betterworks<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Empowering employee performance is key to driving business results. Use our guide to managing employee performance to improve outcomes in your organization.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/magazine\/guide-to-managing-employee-performance\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Ultimate Guide to Managing Employee Performance\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Empowering employee performance is key to driving business results. Use our guide to managing employee performance to improve outcomes in your organization.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/magazine\/guide-to-managing-employee-performance\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Betterworks\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BetterWorks\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-11-29T18:13:57+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-06-18T11:30:38+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/ManagingEmployeePerformance-SEOblog-11-29-2022-Thumbnail.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Michelle Gouldsberry\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@Betterworks\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@Betterworks\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/magazine\/guide-to-managing-employee-performance\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/magazine\/guide-to-managing-employee-performance\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Michelle Gouldsberry\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/#\/schema\/person\/bfe4de822d285a3433afd46c358d7af2\"},\"headline\":\"The Ultimate Guide to Managing Employee Performance\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-11-29T18:13:57+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-06-18T11:30:38+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/magazine\/guide-to-managing-employee-performance\/\"},\"wordCount\":2274,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/magazine\/guide-to-managing-employee-performance\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/ManagingEmployeePerformance-SEOblog-11-29-2022-Thumbnail.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Performance Management\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/magazine\/guide-to-managing-employee-performance\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/magazine\/guide-to-managing-employee-performance\/\",\"name\":\"What Is HR\u2019s Role in Managing Employee Performance? - Betterworks\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/magazine\/guide-to-managing-employee-performance\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/magazine\/guide-to-managing-employee-performance\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.betterworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/ManagingEmployeePerformance-SEOblog-11-29-2022-Thumbnail.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-11-29T18:13:57+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-06-18T11:30:38+00:00\",\"description\":\"Empowering employee performance is key to driving business results. 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