People manager guide: Effective performance management

Performance management has no standard definition. It can describe setting objectives, providing feedback, improving performance, supporting learning, development, reward and recognition and career progression. It also covers managing underperformance.

Effective performance management can support employees to perform well, maximise their contribution and help them learn and develop. Effective performance management can also help to motivate people.

Effective performance management processes can help managers to:

• align the efforts of their team with organisational goals
• support employees to become effective performers, and continue to develop their skills, knowledge and experience
• identify and address any areas of underperformance fairly and in a timely manner
• recognise and reward good performance
• create clear expectations around performance for employees.

Together these benefits can help to support employee engagement, motivation and a positive team culture.

This guide provides line managers with practical information on how to undertake effective performance management activities.