How to run an engaging performance review (and turn it into a real growth driver for your team)

Ah, performance reviews! Just hearing those words can make some people feel a knot in their stomach. But these moments can actually become powerful springboards to boost engagement, grow talent, and help your team excel together. Wondering how to evaluate an employee’s work without making it a stressful or discouraging experience? Let’s explore it together.

Why rethink performance reviews?

For a long time, performance reviews were seen as just an administrative requirement. Too focused on pointing out mistakes or comparing employees to each other, they often created more anxiety than excitement. Thankfully, more and more organizations now realize that a well-led review can be an amazing tool to fuel motivation and development.

A performance review should encourage collaboration, celebrate wins, and strengthen trust. By focusing on people and their growth instead of punishment, we can turn a dreaded moment into a motivating opportunity.

How can you make performance reviews more human and constructive?

Before diving into practical steps, remember: a review shouldn’t feel like an annual inspection. It should be a safe space for recognition and open, honest conversations — a chance to check in on goals, clarify expectations, and plan the future together.

1. Foster psychological safety

When employees are afraid of being judged or ridiculed, they’re less likely to share ideas or ask for help. Building psychological safety means accepting that everyone makes mistakes and encouraging a learning mindset. It creates an environment where people feel heard, respected, and valued. Teams that feel safe are more engaged, more innovative, and better equipped to handle challenges.

2. Handle tough conversations with empathy

Sometimes, you’ll need to address missed goals or difficult behaviours. For these discussions to be productive, empathy is key — putting yourself in the other person’s shoes, asking open-ended questions, and listening without interrupting. The goal is to create a judgment-free space where you can work together to find practical solutions. This approach helps strengthen understanding and deepen trust.

3. Make feedback part of your everyday culture

Annual feedback alone isn’t enough to help employees grow. Ongoing, caring feedback throughout the year reinforces positive behaviours and allows for quick course corrections. It also helps celebrate small wins, avoid surprises during formal reviews, and make feedback feel more natural and supportive. When feedback becomes part of everyday life, it feels lighter and more empowering — and it supports a culture of continuous improvement.

4. Make the most of your one-on-ones

One-on-one meetings are key opportunities to build real connections. They go beyond performance metrics to explore aspirations and development needs. When these meetings are well-prepared, they provide clear structure, help define concrete actions, and show that you genuinely care about your employee’s growth and well-being. Regular follow-ups and active listening build long-lasting engagement and help keep your top talent.

Performance reviews as a growth engine

So, how can you make performance reviews inspiring? By putting people at the heart of the process and turning every interaction into a moment of learning and growth. A constructive, human review process motivates people to stretch further, fuels engagement, and helps build a healthy, energizing work culture.

When reviews become a positive, anticipated ritual, they stop being a source of stress and turn into a powerful tool for individual and collective growth. By focusing on human-centred practices and ongoing development, you’re investing in your people — and, ultimately, in your team’s success.

Our solutions to support your teams

To support your teams on this journey, we offer flexible solutions designed to fit your needs:

→ Group training: Discover our team workshops and interactive learning paths
→ Individual training: Explore our simple, accessible, human e-learning options
→ LMS content: Purchase content to host on your LMS
→ Corporate subscription: Give your team unlimited access to our online learning platform

It’s up to you to choose the option that best fits your culture of performance and well-being. Take our quick assessment to find out what works best for you!