Performance Management Survey Results

In a recent workforce performance survey from Watson Wyatt (based on a survey of 1,191 US workers from a broad cross-section of industries):

• Approximately 90% of surveyed employees participate in a performance management program.
• Only 30% of employees believe the program helps them improve their performance.
• Less than 40% say the system establishes clear performance goals or generates honest feedback.
• Only 39% of employees see the connection between their day-to-day work and company goals.
• Only 54% of workers think their companies set high performance standards.
• Only 44% feel that people are held accountable for their performance.
• 20% say their companies help poorly performing employees improve.
• 43% of employees feel they don’t get enough guidance to improve their performance.
• Only 38% of employees say that their company uses technology to streamline the performance management process.

BOTTOMLINE: The highlighted survey results above tell the story: Existing performance management programs are "missing the boat" because:

• Lack of connection betweeen day-to-day activities and goals (Discipline II - Set Goals That Lead, Discipline III - Align Systems, Discipline IV - Work The Plan)
• Lack of accountability (Discipline IV - Work The Plan)

Using technology to help streamline the performance management process helps (Six Disciplines Business System) - but it is the ongoing coaching and strategic advisory services that keep individuals accountable, and organizational aligned.