As with just about everything else this year, the way performance evaluations will happen this year, will need to be adjusted. A good place to start is with a couple questions. How has the pandemic affected your business? How has the pandemic affected your employees? With that lens you can begin to move forward. Some companies have grown, others have dramatically shrunk. Some employees have stepped up to the challenge, and others have really struggled. The ones that have struggled may have been dealing with issues at home that affected their performance on the job.

So, there are two things you need to know about the performance evaluation process for 2020.

1. It’s been a hard year for everyone. But have the performance conversation anyway. Your employees deserve to have this time with you and to hear your feedback.
2. Sprinkle in a lot of compassion and grace this year. It’s been a year like no other. Let that reflect in the discussion this year.

The hardest part is starting. Don’t let perfection get in the way. Don’t let a bad year get it the way. Even if a raise is not in the cards this year, have the conversation anyway. At the very least, use this as a excuse to tell your employees thank you for their flexibility during a challenging year.