Employee evaluations challenge even the most seasoned human resources staff. If you're a solo entrepreneur, one person team, or supervisor, taking on a staff member's performance review can seem that much more daunting.
Take a chunk out of the process by reviewing a sample employee evaluation form, then reflect on what kinds of questions will give you the most accurate view of your staff's performance. Jot down some ideas, then peruse this list to flesh out your form. Discuss the employee evaluation questions with other staff members to ensure you haven't missed anything, and you're almost ready to start the performance review.
But first, let's take a look at some sample employee evaluation questions:
Employee Evaluation Questions About Challenges
Ask your staff member what kinds of situations they felt were difficult to deal with, and how they resolved the issues. Some ideas:
- What do you feel was your biggest mistake this year? Why? Did you do anything to fix it? What will you do differently from now on in so that it doesn't happen again?
- Were there certain people, jobs, or situations that you didn't enjoy dealing with? How did you cope?
- If there were one part of your job that you could delete from your work requirements, what would it be, and why?
Employee Evaluation Questions About Goals
Where does your employee see themselves in six months? A year? Do they plan on staying with your company, or increasing their education or responsibility? Find out with these well-versed questions:
- Are you taking any courses or reading to further your work credentials? Do you have something in mind, or want to? Tell me about it.
- Where do you want to be in five years with regards to your working life? What's your dream job, and how does it apply to what you're doing currently with my company?
Employee Evaluation Questions About Rewards and Motivation
Do you know how your staff feels supported, motivated, and/or rewarded by their work? Learn what specifically gets them excited with these queries:
- What are you most proud of this past [---time frame the employee evaluation covers--]? How were you rewarded for it? Was there something else you would have preferred? Why?
- If we have a contest this next quarter, what would motivate you the most to win?
- Describe for me your favorite supervisor or manager. What do they do that makes them the best? (Note: You'll want to both read between the lines here as to what the manager does that supports your staff member, as well as review their comments for the manager's employee evaluation).
Employee Evaluation Questions AboutSkills and Knowledge
There's obviously a bit of overlap with some of these questions, as we've discussed a few items already that fall within this question category. Still, it's an important point for most entrepreneurs and staff, as lifelong learning is a crucial aspect for many people's continued workplace happiness. Some other, related questions to ask about skills and knowledge:
- What have you learned this past year at work? What was the most beneficial? Would other staff members benefit? Why or why not?
- What would enable you to do your job better? Explain it to me as if you were doing it now, and how it's currently taken care of.
There are likely other employee evaluation questions you'll want to ask to learn about your staff members' weaknesses, projects, and customer service (if applicable). But these questions to start with, as they are the big ones - the ones that keep both you and your staff happy and focused towards the future.
Related: Sample Performance Review Phrases, Free Sample 360 Evaluation Form.
Bonny Albo - Bonny offers 20 years of writing experience to her readers. CNN, MSNBC, The LA Times and Macleans all reference her for expert advice.
