What Is an Employee Evaluation Form?
An employee evaluation form records details about an employee’s job performance. It also lets you provide feedback and identify ways they can improve. Companies use this form to inform training and ensure employees are in the most productive roles for their skills. Employees refer to it to clarify their duties and observe their progress.
An employee’s direct supervisor typically completes this form, as they are best equipped to assess the employee’s work. However, depending on the type of evaluation, the human resources department, a peer, or the employee themselves may fill it out.
Organizations adopt their own methods, so the frequency with which you’ll conduct one may vary. For example, you may need this form for each employee on their anniversary. Some companies enact a more frequent evaluation period, such as every quarter or every month.
This document may also be referred to as a:
- Employee assessment form
- Employee competency evaluation form
- Employee performance appraisal
- Job performance review form
- Performance assessment template
- Performance management form
- Staff appraisal form
- Staff performance appraisal
- Staff review template
- Work evaluation form
- Workplace performance review
What Does an Employee Evaluation Form Include?
An employee performance evaluation form covers the following elements:
- Numeric ratings for specific performance categories
- Narrative descriptions of the employee’s successes and areas of improvement
- Key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Feedback on job knowledge and competencies
- Goals for upcoming periods
These elements allow supervisors and employees to have open discussions about performance and development. The framework contains a clear rating system and documented examples as evidence.
Legal Considerations for an Employee Evaluation Form
When conducting employee evaluations, it’s essential to remain objective and impartial. You should use the same process for each role and hold employees to the same standards. By doing so, you can avoid discrimination complaints and create a happier, more balanced work environment.
Companies must only focus on work performance when giving evaluations. If a supervisor delivers a lower performance rating because an employee engages in protected Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) activity, it could be considered retaliation, which is unlawful.
If the employee or company ever goes to court, reviews can serve as robust evidence. They may also help protect against wrongful termination claims.
Types of Employee Evaluation Forms
Not every company follows the same employee evaluation process. They may adopt different forms to assess employee performance as they see fit. Consider the various types of employee evaluation forms:
- Employee self-evaluation form: Employees rate their own performance and goals.
- Team assessment form: The supervisor can gauge an employee’s role within a team.
- Peer review form: Employees evaluate the work of their colleagues.
- 360-degree review form: This form includes assessments from peers, supervisors, subordinates, and clients to create a comprehensive overview.
- 30-60-90 review form: This form tracks new hire progress at 30, 60, and 90 days.
Knowing the different types of work evaluation forms can help you determine what information to include and who should fill them out.
How to Write an Employee Evaluation Form
A strong employee evaluation form contains clear criteria and space for strengths and areas of improvement. Follow these steps to write an employee evaluation form and create fair, actionable feedback.
1. Provide Initial Details
Begin by providing key details about the employee, including their:
- Name
- Department
- Job title
- Manager
You can also provide context about the evaluation, stating the dates that will apply to the review. Also, specify whether the employee was previously evaluated and list the date (if applicable).
2. Decide What Qualities Will Be Evaluated
Choose the employee qualities that you will evaluate in the staff review. Legal Templates’s form lets you choose from a list of pre-determined attributes, such as the following:
- Productivity
- Work quality
- Job knowledge
- Attendance
- Attitude
- Communication
- Cooperation
- Creativity
- Dependability
- Personality
- Courtsey
- Company policies
3. Give Ratings for Each Quality
Give a rating (Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, Fair, Poor) for each quality you want to evaluate. Our employee performance review also allows you to leave a comment, providing a reason for your rating.
Provide examples where possible. For instance, if you award an employee a Satisfactory rating for Productivity, you can explain that they usually meet project deadlines and seek extra work occasionally.
Reward an Exceptional Employee
If an employee has gone above and beyond, consider using an employee-of-the-month nomination form to help them get recognized.
4. Provide Feedback
Once you rate each quality and give a reason, you can provide generalized feedback on the employee. Explain their strong points and recommend ways they can improve. You’ll also have the option to leave additional comments on their performance and work. These tips can guide employees and help them avoid employee write-ups.
5. Name the Evaluator
Specify who’s conducting the evaluation. This will clarify where the feedback comes from, so the provider can be contacted if needed to discuss the evaluation’s contents. Add the evaluation date and have the evaluator sign their name.
Employee Evaluation Form Sample
View our free employee evaluation form template to learn the key elements in a comprehensive worker assessment. Create your own using our guided questionnaire and download it in PDF or Word format.
