Covid Impact: Companies Moving to Quarterly/Half-Yearly Appraisal System
Pandemic has given a new outlook to performance management of employees within organisations. More and more companies are opting for quarterly or half-yearly appraisal systems instead of yearly while encouraging active feedback mechanisms for scheduled appraisals. Take for example the impact of the pandemic on employees at IndiGo, the country's largest low-cost carrier. "My personal belief is that even as we deal with imminent economic turbulence, we need to weigh our balance sheet against employee expectations and find a middle ground that is fair to both. This is best achieved by mid-year check-ins laced with transparent discussions that will help to bring back the focus on potential opportunities,” says Raj Raghavan, Senior VP, and Head HR, Indigo.
Experts say that due to pandemic there has been a big push to the digital agenda. "Because of digital push, it is much easier to collect as many data points required with respect to the time employees are spending on meetings, the impact of ideation, among several other parameters," says Unmesh Pawar, Partner, KPMG. Hence, the role of feedback mechanism takes a firm front seat while deciding upon the appraisals for each employee, Pawar adds.
“The future will be about deploying technology through multiple digital platforms to provide frequent and concrete feedback to employees, instead of relying on annual appraisal discussions with limited proof points,” says Sameer Wadhwan, Senior VP and Head HR, Samsung India.
Experts are of the view that if you want a high-performing culture then you need to have quality feedback because its frequency allows people the opportunity to do something with that feedback.
The role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in Human Resource Management is also expected to increase manifolds in the coming time. Agrees Tapan Singhel, MD and CEO, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance. He says, "To me, appraisal mechanism in times to come would be a continuous system on a daily basis, assisted by AI and ML in which employees will also have the right to seek guidance on few aspects where they think they need help or assistance from their leaders or mentors. This guidance will further make empower employees towards contributing actively to their career advancement and development."
Way Forward
Organisations are finding a way to spare expenses. Notwithstanding, the HR chiefs shared fascinating thoughts regarding what could change the 2021 onwards scenario. The experts are of the firm belief that organisations will have to set momentary business targets, alongside using variable compensation more to spare expense than boost outperformance. Additionally, pay-outs may not be totally equation-based. Organisations will have to mend their ways and change the perspective of screening each employee differently as now work-from-home has designated different responsibilities for each employee now.
