7 Essential Features of a 360 degree feedback tool

by Kylee Stone Jul 22,2023
Engagedly
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Is your organization considering the implementation of a 360-degree feedback process? This transformative approach offers a shift from traditional one-on-one feedback, providing a holistic view of employee performance. However, selecting the right tool is paramount to ensure the process’s success.

In this article, we will explore the key features of a 360-degree feedback tool designed to effortlessly integrate with your organization’s existing processes, enabling your team to gain valuable insights that foster growth and development.

Characteristics of 360 Degree Feedback System

1. User-Friendly and Intuitive

As a 360 degree feedback tool will be used by numerous stakeholders inside and sometimes outside the organization, it should be simple and easy to use. The user interface should be simple and not cluttered with too much information. Users should be able to navigate easily while using the tool. It should be easy to understand by everyone and should be able to use it without any exhaustive training. 

Employees and organizations can use free trial version of the software to decide which one is simple to use. In this way, the organization will be able to decide on which one suits them the best.

2. Secure and Anonymous

The 360 degree feedback software should have a built-in anonymous feature. If the 360 degree feedback process is being newly implemented in the organization, then employees would not be so comfortable in rating their managers and senior leaders. Employees might not be honest while rating their seniors since they will have a fear of getting repressed. Anonymity option will help employees to be honest and open while giving their feedback to their peers and managers alike.

Also Read: Best 360 Degree Performance Review Tips

3. Flexible and Personalized

While selecting a 360 degree feedback tool, the organization should check to what degree the tool offers customization. The tool that you finalize for the organization should support easy customization as per the needs of the organization. 

For example, customizable questionnaire templates as per individuals, adding new competencies, etc.

Simple customizations like this will help in making work simpler and address specific issues for a specific group of users.

4. Comprehensive Competency Framework

The process of 360 degree feedback involves all the employees of the organization. Every employee is measured on competencies that are specific to their roles, and the competencies vary depending upon the level and job role of the employee. The list of competencies helps in defining the employee’s overall performance and behavior. The tool should have an exhaustive list of competencies to choose from for every role. The tool should also support the option to add new competencies as and when required.

Also Read: Quick Tips for Giving Effective Feedback to Your Co-Workers

5. Informative and Actionable Reports

The 360 degree feedback tool which you decide to select for your organization should provide the employees with a detailed report. The report should collect and tabulate information received from all the people involved in the feedback process. A good report should include the highest-rated areas, lowest rated areas, ratings, potential blind spots, and gaps. This will help employees in understanding their strengths and also the weak areas they need to work on.

Also Read: 10 Best Employee Feedback Tools to Track Performance

6. Robust Security Measures

One of the most important things to consider while selecting a 360 degree feedback tool is how secure it is. As the tool will have feedback received from managers, peers, customers, etc., the information is highly confidential and sensitive. If the tool does not have proper security features, data might end up in the wrong hands. The minimum requirement is the software should at least follow the Information Security Laws of the country where the organization is.

7. Ongoing Support and Guidance

Since it is the first time that 360 degree feedback is being implemented in your organization, look for a tool that provides 24*7 customer support. Some employees may find it difficult to fill the survey when at office, since it takes time to get used to new software. Instead of the office, they might choose to do so from home. So a support team should be available to help the employees at any time of the day.

Besides that, the tool should have proper user documentation in place, which employees can refer to before reaching out to customer support.

Conclusion

Selecting the right 360-degree feedback tool is crucial for a successful implementation. Features like comprehensive feedback sources, user-friendly interface, customizable questionnaires, confidentiality, seamless integration, robust security, competency-focused framework, and insightful analytics play a vital role.

With continuous support and informative reports, this multirater feedback becomes a catalyst for fostering a culture of growth, collaboration, and personal development within your organization. Embrace its potential to propel your workforce to new heights of achievement and long-term prosperity. Welcome this transformative opportunity and reap the benefits of a well-chosen 360-degree feedback tool.


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Kylee Stone

Kylee Stone supports the professional services team as a CX intern and psychology SME. She leverages her innate creativity with extensive background in psychology to support client experience and organizational functions. Kylee is completing her master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational psychology at the University of Missouri Science and Technology emphasizing in Applied workplace psychology and Statistical Methods.

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