Helping employees perform well is a central role of line managers and people professionals. People are the greatest creators of organisational value, so effectively managing their performance is critical for success. Employees need to understand what’s expected of them, and must be managed so that they are motivated, have the skills, resources and support they need to succeed, and are accountable for their work. 

This factsheet describes core aspects to get right in performance management and recent shifts in thinking. It summarises the main tools used, including objective setting, performance ratings, appraisals (or reviews), feedback, learning and development, and performance-related pay.

Effective performance management: Guide and tools for
HR professionals

Practical advice and links to interactive tools to help people professionals develop and implement effective performance management

Callout Image

Video: Changing trends in performance management

In this video, Jonny Gifford, Senior Adviser for Organisational Behaviour at the CIPD, explores the changing trends in performance management over recent years.

Related content

Data

Data hub

Explore the evidence behind workforce trends

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

Bitesize research

Performance management: Taking a strengths-based approach

An examination of strengths use interventions to promote employee wellbeing and performance

For Members

Explore our other factsheets

Factsheet

Mediation at work

Learn how mediation can resolve conflict in the workplace

Factsheet

Skills development in the UK workplace

Understand what we mean by skills in the workplace, UK skill levels and the government’s skills policy.

Factsheet

Stress in the workplace

Learn how to identify the signs of stress and address stress at work

For Members
Factsheet

Occupational health

Outlines the kind of occupational health services an organisation might offer and the role of confidentiality and consent in discussing an employee’s health

For Members
Factsheets