Employee performance is one of the most important outcomes in management and organisational life. A high performance indicates that people have done an excellent job and work to the best of their ability, whereas low performance suggests people can do better. But it’s not always clear what people performance is and how it can be measured.

Our research draws on the latest evidence to explore the definitions of individual and team performance and how it can be measured in practice, and evaluates the best models that can be used to explain what drives it. This will support HR leaders to develop a strong understanding of performance within their workforce.

  • See the practice summary for the main insights and practical recommendations for action. 
  • See the scientific summary for our methodology and technical information on the research and study references.

To continue reading, log in or become a member

Affiliate membership offers instant access to CIPD resources without the need for assessments or study, or explore your options to become a professional member of the CIPD to demonstrate your commitment to the world of work.

  • Access to exclusive, up-to-date resources
  • Become part of a community to learn, debate and connect with other people professionals
  • Free access to a series of CIPD learning courses and a discount on the rest of our catalogue

More on this topic

Data

Data hub

Explore the evidence behind workforce trends

Case study

Enhancing workforce inclusion through data: GHD

A case study on how GHD used in-depth data to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce

CIPD Viewpoint

People analytics

Explore the CIPD’s point of view on people analytics, including recommendations for employers

Report

CIPD Good Work Index

The CIPD Good Work Index is an annual benchmark of job quality in the UK, providing data and evidence-based insight on how to improve work and working lives

Latest evidence reviews

Evidence review

Impact of human resource management: An evidence review

We examine research evidence to understand if and how HR practices influences organisational performance and key workplace outcomes

For Members
Evidence review

Trust and psychological safety: An evidence review

Find out what the evidence says about building trust and psychological safety

For Members
Evidence review

Effective people managers: Evidence review

Research exploring how to develop people managers who drive organisational success

For Members
Evidence review

High-performing teams: An evidence review

Explore the latest research on how to create a positive environment to build and nurture effective teams

All evidence reviews