# Presentation: 721965

## Performance Appraisal Process

## Why Appraise Employees?

- To provide performance feedback
- To modify or change behavior
- To judge future job assignments and      potential
- To improve employee and organizational effectiveness

##        Where Can I Find Policy        Guidance?

- Policy and Procedure (P&P) 418.3-ARS,  Performance Planning and Appraisal, dated 5/21/92
- Web Address for P&P:
-     www.afm.ars.usda.gov/afm2/ppweb
- Performance Recognition Staff

##         When Is My Performance          Appraised?

- Employees receive an annual rating of record in January and April
- Employees receive a progress or mid-year review at least once during the rating cycle
- Annual rating cycle is January 1 to
-     December 31 and April to March 31

##        What are Performance Elements        and Standards?

- Explains what an employee is expected to do and how well it must be done
- Are communicated to employees within 30 days of hire or position change
- May change during the rating cycle
- Must be in place for at least 90 days to receive an annual rating of record

##       How Does My Supervisor       Determine My Rating of Record?

- Supervisor observations of performance
- Feedback from customers, partners, co-workers, subordinates, etc.
- Employee accomplishments

##       Preparing Accomplishment        Reports

##       What is the Purpose of an       Accomplishment Report?

- Serves as a reminder to both the employee and supervisor of individual achievements, contributions, and accomplishments within a rating cycle.

## Is There a Special Format? 

- 1-2 pages
- Arrange by performance element
- Describe accomplishments
- Explain the impact of each accomplishment

##        Example of Arranging by               Performance Element...     

-          _Element 1: Administrative Support _
-          _(Critical)_
-          Accomplishment:
-          Impact:

##        How Do I Describe My        Accomplishments?

- Use “I” statements
- Use action verbs
- Fully describe accomplishments
- Refer to activity/status reports, calendars, previous accomplishment reports, etc.
- Describe current year accomplishments
- Avoid laundry lists or bullets

## How Do I Describe Impact?

- Explain results and outcomes – “Why is the accomplishment important?”
- Describe how accomplishments:
- affected or enhanced a work process
- had impact on a client or customer
- helped your unit/Lab achieve its goals
- USDA Strategic Plan –
-     www.reeusda.gov/part/gpra/stratpl.htm

## Remember the Basics...

- Proofread for:
- typos
- spelling errors
- proper grammar

##        Employee Responsibilities...

- Participate in the establishment of performance elements and standards
- Ask questions - ensure an understanding of what is expected
- Cooperate with management in the rating process
- Provide feedback on accomplishments
- Prepare for performance reviews

##         Call the Performance                Recognition Staff for Help!

- Theresa Bailey, 301-504-1452
- Mary Oxner, 301-504-1368
- Jo-An Affrica, 301-504-1552
- Suzanne Suchecki, 301-504-1465
- Erica Smith, 301-504-1464
- Address: 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Rm. 3-1282D, Beltsville, MD 20705