The impact of COVID can’t be ignored in performance reviews, but how much weight should be placed on it? Here are some issues to consider:
- The impact of employees working remotely. Did employees have clear performance goals/objectives and understand any specific parameters about work hours? Was this presented to them in writing? Did they have access to the tools and resources they need to meet expectations?
- Efforts to go above and beyond what’s expected of them. Are you prepared to recognize in some measurable way actions and contributions that are exceptional, especially in light of the pandemic?
- How the pandemic may have contributed to absences from work, tardiness, missed meetings or deadlines, etc. Give employees a chance to explain why they had problems and what support or resources would be helpful moving forward.
