The Power of Employee Reviews: Beyond Feedback
When was the last time you checked in with your team, not just to evaluate performance but to support their overall wellbeing? The power of employee reviews and feedback cannot be underestimated!
If you only hold reviews at the end of a trial period or when something goes wrong, you could be missing out on a big opportunity. Employee reviews don’t have to be a reactive process; in fact, they can be a proactive opportunity!
When we engage in productive conversations it is the beginning of something truly magical; wellbeing.
Employee wellbeing isn’t just a nice-to-have, feel-good approach; it has a real impact on how your business runs. Mental health plays a huge role in the workplace. When it isn’t tended to; it leads to more sick days and lower productivity.
If you only hold reviews at the end of a trial period or when something goes wrong, you could be missing out on a big opportunity.
According to studies by Gallup, companies with highly engaged employees outperform their competitors by 147% in earnings per share.
Studies show that when companies invest in making the workplace mentally healthy, they see big financial returns through better productivity and fewer absences.
When work is managed well, it can actually help reduce feelings of loneliness and build a stronger sense of community among employees. But to make this happen, leaders need to be intentional about supporting their teams. Regular reviews are a key part of this process.
Let’s Rethink Employee Reviews
Traditionally, reviews have been all about giving feedback. But they can be so much more. Why not turn these meetings into real conversations where you not only talk about job performance but also check in on how your employees are feeling? This way, you can catch and address any issues before they become bigger problems.
The Importance of Active Listening
Active listening is a game-changer when it comes to employee reviews. It’s all about fully focusing on the conversation and really understanding what the other person is saying. This shows your employees that you care about their opinions and concerns, and it helps you gather important insights for your business. Studies even show that active listening can cut misunderstandings in half, which is crucial for creating a supportive work environment.
Here’s how to practice active listening during reviews
Give your full attention.
Put away distractions and really focus on what’s being said. Eye contact is key here—it shows that you’re engaged.
Watch your body language.
Your posture and expressions should be open and welcoming. Crossing your arms or looking away can send the wrong message.
Reflect and clarify.
Repeat what you’ve heard to make sure you’ve got it right. For example, “So, it sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed with your workload. Is that correct?”
Don’t interrupt.
Let your employee speak without cutting in. When they’re done, take a moment to think before you respond.
Here are some questions you can ask to get the most out of these reviews
“How are you managing your workload?”
“Are there any challenges you’re facing that we can help with?”
“Do you have any goals you’d like to share?”
“How can we help you reach them?”
“How are you feeling about your work-life balance?”
“Is there anything more we can do to support your wellbeing?”
If a problem does arise, ask questions like;
“If this were your business, how would you treat the situation?”
“Do you have any ideas on how this might be done differently?
“What would be the ideal outcome for you?”
You can then respond in kind; you might say that you will consider those ideas, that you value their time and input, and that you consider them valued members of the team, etc.
When someone feels valued, heard, and seen, they will often want to work more effectively and productively. You might even learn something!
These questions invite employees to open up about their work and personal lives, which can have a huge impact on their overall wellbeing and work performance and at the risk of sounding repetitive- THIS IS A HUGE PLUS FOR YOUR ORGANISATION!
We have witnessed astonishing turnarounds in workplace culture, team interactions, positivity and far better productivity when these positive reviews are integrated as part of the business practice.
How to Create a Safe Space for Reviews
Making sure your reviews are a safe space is crucial for honest communication. Employees need to know they can share their concerns without fear of judgment. A structured, consistent approach to reviews can make a big difference.
Here’s how to make your reviews more effective:
Hold regular reviews
Don’t just wait for the end of a trial period or when issues pop up. Regular reviews help build trust and keep things on track.
Keep it confidential
Make sure your employees know their discussions will stay private. This encourages them to be open and honest.
Stay positive
It’s important to discuss areas for improvement but remember to highlight achievements, too. Keeping the tone positive helps motivate your employees to keep doing their best. An example might be that we can see you have been trying to do x but noticed there are some delays. Can you tell me more about this, and do you have any suggestions on how this can be improved? This is a positive open ended question that also helps inclusively place some accountability.
Provide support
If an employee is struggling, offer them the resources they need. This could include access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which offers confidential counselling and support. Having an EAP can really boost the support you provide during reviews. Suppose an employee is dealing with stress, anxiety, or other personal issues. In that case, you can direct them to the EAP for help. This not only benefits the employee but also contributes to a healthier, more productive workplace.
EAPs give employees access to professional counselling services, helping them manage their challenges. You can also work with your employees to set realistic goals and develop strategies to overcome obstacles, making your workplace even more supportive.
At The Team Approach, based in the Bellarine area of Geelong, we specialise in workplace wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) for businesses across Australia. We’re here to help you turn your workplace into a positive, thriving environment where employees can do their best work.
Ready to take your reviews to the next level? Get in touch with us today to find out how we can support your team’s mental health and help your business grow.
For more insights into the impact of mental health on workplace productivity, check out these resources:
Listen to our Podcast
Check out our podcast! We are so excited to be talking all things ‘mentally healthy workplaces’ every Friday EST. Tune to meet and get to know Lou, who is a workplace wellbeing specialist, human behaviour lover & passionate EAP Counsellor. Lou is on a mission to build awareness, understanding, knowledge about mental health and wellness. And Lou wants to make working with a Counsellor as “accepted” as going to the gym is to get physically fit!
Working together for mentally healthy teams
Based on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula in regional Victoria, we travel across Australia. And we offer online appointments via phone, Zoom and Skype for those who do not live locally. Contact for more information about employee assistance programs (EAP), leadership coaching or team training resources.
We at The Team Approach recognise the traditional owners of the country where we live and work. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of Indigenous people and their enduring cultures and connections to the land and waters of the Kulin Nation.
office
2/11 Clifton Springs Rd, Drysdale VIC 3222
