Customizable Templates for Effective Performance Reviews
Performance management is more than just annual reviews—it’s about setting a strong foundation for growth, providing continuous support, and fostering a culture of recognition. An essential tool in this process is the employee evaluation form, which provides structured feedback, measures employee performance, and facilitates two-way conversations between employees and management. Use any of these 15 thoughtfully crafted design and communication templates to equip managers with the tools they need to support employee development. Let’s break these resources into design templates and communication templates so you can find exactly what you need to enhance your performance management program.
What is a Performance Review?
A performance review is a formal, structured process where an employee’s past performance is evaluated, and expectations and goals are set for the future. It is a key part of performance management and typically occurs annually, biannually, or quarterly. The purpose of performance reviews is to offer constructive feedback, show employees where they can improve, clarify their responsibilities, motivate them, hold them accountable, and help them develop in their careers.
Performance reviews are essential for fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development. They provide a platform for open communication between managers and employees, ensuring that everyone is aligned on goals and expectations. By regularly assessing performance, organizations can identify strengths and areas for growth, ultimately driving better business outcomes.
Types of Performance Review Templates
There are various types of performance review templates that cater to different needs and goals. These templates can be categorized into three main types: time-oriented, goal-oriented, and behavioral. Each type serves a unique purpose in the performance review process, helping organizations create a structured and effective evaluation process.
Time-Oriented Templates
Time-oriented templates focus on evaluating an employee’s performance over a specific period. These templates are useful for tracking progress, identifying areas for improvement, and setting new objectives. Examples of time-oriented templates include:
Annual Performance Review Template: Ideal for comprehensive evaluations that cover an entire year’s performance.
Quarterly Performance Review Template: Useful for more frequent check-ins to ensure ongoing alignment and progress.
30-60-90 Day Performance Review Template: Perfect for new hires, providing a structured evaluation at key milestones in their onboarding process.
Using time-oriented templates helps organizations maintain a consistent performance review process, ensuring that evaluations are timely and relevant.
Goal-Oriented Templates
Goal-oriented templates focus on evaluating an employee’s progress toward specific goals and objectives. These templates are useful for aligning employee performance with organizational goals and objectives. Examples of goal-oriented templates include:
OKR (Objectives and Key Results) Template: Helps track progress toward strategic objectives and key results.
SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) Goal Template: Ensures that goals are clearly defined and achievable within a set timeframe.
Goal-oriented templates are instrumental in driving employee performance by providing clear targets and measurable outcomes. They help employees understand how their work contributes to the broader organizational goals.
Behavioral Templates
Behavioral templates focus on evaluating an employee’s behavior and performance in specific areas, such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. These templates are useful for identifying areas for improvement and providing constructive feedback. Examples of behavioral templates include:
360-Degree Feedback Template: Gathers feedback from multiple sources, including peers, subordinates, and supervisors, to provide a well-rounded view of an employee’s performance.
Behavioral Assessment Template: Evaluates specific behaviors and competencies that are critical to job performance.
By using behavioral templates, organizations can provide targeted feedback that helps employees develop essential skills and behaviors. This approach supports a more holistic performance review process, addressing both technical abilities and interpersonal skills.
By leveraging these various types of performance review templates, organizations can create a comprehensive and effective performance review process that aligns with their goals and objectives.
Design Performance Review Templates
Ensure your performance management materials are visually compelling and brand-focused with these design templates.
Purpose: Display key performance review dates and expectations to help employees prepare for evaluations.
Why It Matters: Provides clear communication, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned on review timelines.
Communication Templates
Streamline your performance management communications with these actionable templates for managers and employees alike. Structured documents like an employee performance review are crucial for effectively measuring performance, setting goals, and documenting feedback.
Step 1: Build Performance Foundations
Equip managers with the knowledge and tools they need to establish effective performance management.
Purpose: A concise guide on setting SMART goals to help managers track performance and progress. It emphasizes the importance of key performance indicators in measuring success and aligning project outcomes with career goals.
Why It Matters: Empowers managers to set clear, achievable goals that drive results.
Purpose: Provide managers with step-by-step guidance on preparing for performance reviews.
Why It Matters: Ensures a structured, consistent review process by utilizing employee evaluation forms to include both quantitative and qualitative data.
Purpose: Notify managers about the start of the performance review period, including key details and a review form asset.
Why It Matters: Keeps the review process organized and on track.
Reviews Closing Soon (Communication)
Purpose: Remind managers to complete all necessary review steps before the deadline.
Why It Matters: Prevents missed deadlines and ensures the process runs smoothly.
Step 3: Support Employee Performance Growth Continuously
Help managers maintain momentum and support employees’ development post-review.
Next Steps (Communication)
Purpose: Guide managers through follow-up actions after performance reviews.
Why It Matters: Keeps the focus on long-term growth and improvement.
Employee Development Resources (Communication)
Purpose: Share tools and resources to help managers support employee career development.
Why It Matters: Encourages continuous learning and engagement by emphasizing the importance of personal and professional development.
Recognize Manager Efforts (Appreciation)
Purpose: Celebrate and appreciate managers for their efforts during the performance review period.
Why It Matters: Reinforces the value of managers’ hard work and promotes a positive workplace culture.
Why Use This Toolkit?
These 15 templates provide a complete solution for every stage of performance management. By using them, you can:
Save time and promote consistency in your performance management approach.
Equip managers to provide meaningful feedback and foster employee growth.
Assess and improve employee's performance through structured evaluation frameworks.
Build a culture of continuous improvement and recognition.
Empower your managers and employees today with these performance management templates!
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Meet the Author
Joey Rubin specializes in content creation, marketing, and HR-focused learning enablement. As Head of Product Learning at ChangeEngine, he helps People leaders design impactful employee programs. With experience in SaaS, education, and digital media, Joey connects technology with human-centered solutions.
