We all dread performance reviews. As students we have faced “performance reviews” in the avatar of report cards and transcripts, though many of us are yet to experience work performance reviews.

Like report cards, performance reviews are a stressful process for the parties involved

I do not enjoy being graded. But I still appreciate the method behind the “madness”. After all, report cards and grading help me discover where my talents lie, and where I should focus my efforts. In a similar manner, work performance reviews help employees see where they need improvement or if they need a career change, and thus help optimize the work environment.

Current and aspiring Accenture, Adobe and GE employees can rejoice. These companies joined the ranks of a growing number of organizations that are overhauling their performance review processes. Adobe has an informal check-in system that promotes more honest conversation between managers and employees, resulting in better employee retention and productivity.

The most recent company to entertain the new standard: Accenture

Recently, in our COMM 101 class, we discussed the importance of corporate culture in the workplace, particularly innovators like Zappos. I agree with the Fortune article that the issue with performance reviews isn’t the reviews themselves, but their disconnect with organizational culture. Hopefully, more organizations will realize this and follow suit.

Additional Links

• Fisher, Anne. “How Adobe Keeps Key Employees from Quitting.” Fortune, 16 June 2015. Web. 20 Nov. 2015. <fortune.com/2015/06/16/adobe-employee-retention/>.