Fedweek

OPM in another memo has told agencies that they should better engage the employees who are being rated in the performance evaluation process. The ratings, commonly performed on an annual cycle, are used in decisions ranging from discipline to promotions and awards, although they often have been criticized as creating work–and stress–disproportionate to how much they actually influence such decisions. OPM said that while some private employers are backing away from the traditional type of rating process that federal agencies use, “we believe they play a role in helping to deliver good performance management and accountability to the public”–and are in fact required by law in the government. “Well-operated performance appraisal systems provide a solid foundation and framework to help achieve excellence in performance; however, the ultimate success of these systems depends on more than the routine and rote implementation of procedures a few times a year. Rather, agencies need to embrace a modern philosophy we are calling ‘Performance Management Plus’ – where the ‘Plus’ is employee engagement,” OPM said.