As we approach the end of 2021, it’s a great time to start thinking about your year-end reviews and what to cover. In order for you to be prepared, we have put together a guide with tips for both employees and employers. Before we continue, let’s first go over what is a year-end review and what you should be covering.
What is a year-end review?
Also referred to as an annual review or performance review, usually occurs at the end of the year or the very beginning of the following year. This is more formal than your typical “hey do you have a minute” meeting, and can include more people than just your immediate boss. The purpose of this review is developing yourself professionally by going over constructive feedback, any HR-related topics including time off, a raise or schedule change, goals for the new year and any upcoming opportunities.
Tips for Employees
Take time to reflect on the past year
Either a couple of days or the night before, take some time to reflect on your position the past year. What are some of the successes or contributions you have made to your company? Compared to the goals you had for the previous year, it’s rewarding to see how much you have done in a short amount of time. All of your accomplishments will help the company with their overall goals and it’s important to realize everything you have done in order to communicate this with your boss.
Inquire about moving higher up in the company
When you start to become proficient at your position, begin looking towards the next opportunity. Ask your boss how you can move up in the company. If you find a position that you are interested in, make sure you are taking tangible steps to be the best candidate for that position. This will show your boss that you are dedicated and willing to put in the work to advance in the company.
Make sure to follow-up
Ongoing communication is key when it comes to your year-end review. You want to make sure that your boss notices you are serious about the next steps in the company and where you want to take your career. Set up a follow-up meeting about the achievements you are working towards, either the next month or next quarter. You don’t need to wait until the next year-end review to revisit or bring up topics that you’d like to discuss.
Be specific and actively listen
Be specific and detail-oriented with your boss and don’t be afraid to be completely honest. Outlining goals, inquiries, ideas and suggestions can help you achieve your goals. In turn, your boss will know exactly what you want and can assist you in any way. Actively listening will also benefit you tremendously. Jot down any thoughts or suggestions during your year-end review and any meeting you have before or after. You can refer back to specific feedback and ensure you’re on track.
Tips for Employers
Begin with positive feedback
Start the year-end review by first, going over any successes or accomplishments. It’s important to always start on a positive note to set up the rest of the meeting. When beginning with positive feedback, it shows your employee that you value and appreciate their efforts and teaches positivity. Be sure to ask what they achieved and successes they’ve had the past year, it can lead to an open discussion about accomplishments you may not have noticed.
Set goals and new challenges
As this year comes to an end, and the new year begins, it’s important to set goals and challenges to be productive in the upcoming year. The year-end review is the perfect opportunity to set those goals. In your meeting, it’s best that both parties are clear and specific in their expectations to ensure there is no miscommunication. This is an exciting conversation and you want your employees to look forward to these goals and challenges just as you do. Make sure they are both realistic and achievable.
Promote growth within the company
Promoting a growth mindset for your employees is always a great idea. Encourage them to look for opportunities within the company, whether it’s in your department or another one, growing doesn’t necessarily mean your employees need to move up in the organizational chart, they can also move laterally, adding to their existing skill set.
Find a solution together and ask for feedback
Encouraging a two-way conversation where your employees are involved in finding solutions or coming up with ideas, will empower them and make them feel like they are part of developing the company. It’s important to look at things from your employees perspective and approach situations empathetically. Just as you give feedback, encourage them to do the same. Ask how you can improve and what you can do to help them in their position. They will take this as a compliment because you care about their opinion and trust their judgement.
Whether you’re an employee or an employer, take steps to prepare yourself for year-end reviews. Although these reviews can be intimidating, it’s a great opportunity to be able to give and receive feedback to learn and grow as a team. This type of review can also build relationships between employer and employee. As you begin preparing for these meetings, refer back to this blog and take the correct steps to a successful year-end review. If you have any questions or would like to go more in depth about a topic, feel free to reach out to us at 1-844-770-JOBS (5627). We will gladly assist you.