Why You Should Shift From Paper-based to Software Performance Reviews

by Srikant Chellappa Sep 23,2016
Engagedly
PODCAST

The People Strategy Leaders Podcast

with Srikant Chellappa, CEO

Traditional paper-based performance reviews should have been tossed to the wayside a long time ago. Yet, despite the fact that they are out-dated and cumbersome, some organizations seem to cling on to them with a tenacity that can only be marveled at.

But slowly and surely, companies are shifting away from traditional methods and replacing them with intuitive software.

And while it is important you make the shift from paper to software, you shouldn’t do it just because everyone else is. That’s one surefire way to make sure the process fails miserably. Instead, here are 4 reasons why you need to shift from paper-based reviews to performance review software so that you can see the benefits of making the shift.

The Workforce Is Changing

Millennials are expected to make up a big chunk of the workforce in the years to come. While traditional methods might have worked for the previous working generation, the current generation is more comfortable with technology and in fact expect it. If your company is composed of millennials by and large, then you need to provide them with the tools they are comfortable with. A disconnect between management methods and the workforce will only lead to employees leaving.

The Process Is Time Consuming

No matter how well oiled your performance management process is, it cannot be denied that paper-based reviews in general are exhausting. The amount of planning and effort that goes into it can be gainfully utilized elsewhere. Not to mention, HR administrators overseeing the process end up expending a lot of energy in getting employees to participate, and despite all their efforts, the participation levels might still remain low.

The Pay-off Is Not Worth The Effort

More effort goes into the making of paper-based performance reviews than collating and analyzing the end results. The success of performance reviews hinges on the end results. After all, completed reviews are what give us an idea about an employee’s performance. Often times once reviews are done, administrators scramble to collate results and then the management in turn needs to quickly communicate the results with employees. Performance review discussions are supposed to be in-depth and informative, not a quick ten-minute meeting. Because of time crunches, everybody suffers, especially employees.

The Process Is One-Dimensional

When it comes to the review process, paper-based reviews fare poorly when compared to software-based reviews. This is because paper-based reviews follow a very linear process. One mistake in the process, and very often, the review needs to be scrapped and be re-done. On the other hand, software-based reviews tend to be more dynamic. Mistakes can be easily fixed and the process does not have to be rigid or linear, it can be tweaked accordingly.

If you are now convinced that you need to make the shift, but are not quite sure how, here is comprehensive guide to choosing the right performance appraisal software for you and your organization!

Do you have an reasons as to why organizations need to move from paper-based reviews to performance review software? Share them with us in the comments section below!


Engagedly is a performance management software with elements of employee engagement. To see how the application works and how it can help your organization, request a demo today!

Author
Srikant Chellappa
CEO & Co-Founder of Engagedly

Srikant Chellappa is the Co-Founder and CEO at Engagedly and is a passionate entrepreneur and people leader. He is an author, producer/director of 6 feature films, a music album with his band Manchester Underground, and is the host of The People Strategy Leaders Podcast. He is currently working on his next book, Ikigai at the Workplace, which is slated for release in the fall of 2024.

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