Template Description
This Performance Review Template serves as a formal document used by organizations to evaluate employee performance during a defined review period. It promotes transparency, consistency, and professional development by assessing individual contributions against predefined criteria. The template is structured as a comprehensive 3 page MS Word document, making it suitable for small businesses, large corporations, and HR departments across industries. It includes detailed performance metrics, reviewer feedback, goal setting, employee acknowledgment, and a legal disclaimer.
This template can be used by HR professionals, people managers, and department heads to document formal appraisals and development discussions in a standardized, legally sound manner.
Understanding Performance Review Template
Key Features of the Template
1. Header, Date & Parties: Identifies the sender (reviewing manager) and recipient (employee), along with the date, employee designation, department, and ID for formal tracking.
2. Subject & Introduction: Introduces the purpose of the review, highlights the assessment period, and frames the intent of the document to support development and feedback.
3. Employee Information: Captures all essential employee details such as name, ID, department, reviewer name, and date of joining to contextualize the performance being reviewed.
4. Review Period: Specifies the start and end dates of the performance cycle under consideration.
5. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Includes a structured table to rate employee performance on metrics like job knowledge, work quality, communication, collaboration, and policy adherence, using a 5-point rating scale.
6. Strengths and Achievements: Allows managers to document key accomplishments, positive contributions, and high-impact behaviors observed during the review period.
7. Areas of Improvement: Identifies competencies, behaviors, or outcomes that need improvement to support employee growth and future performance expectations.
8. Training & Development Recommendations: Suggests specific programs, courses, or coaching that may benefit the employee's skill development and career progression.
9. Goals for the Next Review Period: Outlines 3–5 measurable and time-bound goals for the upcoming performance cycle, with space to define target dates and success criteria.
10. Reviewer Summary and Recommendation: Summarizes overall feedback and provides formal recommendations such as continued role, promotion, or performance improvement plan.
11. Employee Acknowledgment: Provides space for the employee to review, sign, and acknowledge receipt and understanding of the review, with an optional comments section.
12. Legal Disclaimer: Contains a clause explaining that the template is for informational and internal HR purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Advises consultation with legal counsel for compliance with employment law.
Other Considerations
Conclusion
The Performance Review Template offers a structured and professional approach to employee evaluations. It promotes accountability, facilitates development discussions, and supports HR in maintaining standardized and compliant appraisal documentation. This tool helps both managers and employees align performance expectations and drive continuous improvement.