Managing Employee Performance Issues: 3 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Fostering a mentally healthy workplace, improving productivity and supporting the retention of valuable employees are just some of the reasons why it’s so important for managers and supervisors to follow best practice when managing employee performance issues.  

Poorly managed employee performance issues can expose your organisation to costly risks, including psychosocial hazards and unfair dismissal claims.

What mistakes do employers needs to watch out for when managing employee performance issues?

Here are three common mistakes when managing employee performance, and best practice tips to avoid these mistakes:

1. Failing to Set Clear Expectations

Vague or shifting expectations make it impossible to measure employee performance accurately or implement a fair dismissal.

Best practice tips: Employees must know what’s expected and be empowered to meet those expectations. Communicate measurable goals, link them to role requirements, and document discussions.

2. Waiting Too Long to Act

Delaying difficult conversations can allow performance issues and workplace tensions to escalate.

Best practice tips: Provide timely, constructive feedback and keep clear records. Address concerns early so employees have the opportunity to improve, and you can demonstrate a fair dismissal process if issues persist.

3. Overlooking Legal Obligations

When addressing employee performance issues, managers and supervisors must comply with workplace laws and follow procedural fairness. Skipping steps or mishandling documentation can turn a valid termination into an unfair dismissal.

Best practice tips: Understand your obligations under workplace laws, WHS regulations and any applicable modern awards or employment agreements. Adhere to the requirements regarding warnings, notice periods, and record-keeping.

Following best practice when managing employee performance issues protects your people and your organisation.

WorkPlacePLUS can support employers to follow best practice and reduce common mistakes when managing employee performance issues.

WorkPlacePLUS is an HR outsourcing service provider. We offer professional HR management services including performance management and workplace dispute resolution. For more information, contact us today.