How do we manage performance across a varied
workforce when we have practically no budget?
The easiest
response might be to just put a paper process in place. Everyone uses Microsoft
Word, so it should be pretty easy to get these reviews done. But then managing
data collection, confirming reviews have taken place, or even checking that the
right forms got to the right people can create administrative chaos.
Who has time
for that?
No one, but
it’s a very real scenario that these organizations deal with every time there’s
a review cycle. When HR managers in higher education institutions and
universities finally throw their hands up, it’s time to find another way to get
quality performance management, even on a tight budget.
Here are
three questions to ask when you’re ready for a better way to manage your
performance:
1. Can we utilize technology? Today, almost everyone is connected to a computer 40 hours
a week. If that’s the case, an online or cloud solution might be exactly what
you need. Make it easy for faculty and staff to log in and complete a form
online instead of using paper handouts. Things don’t get lost in the shuffle,
and you can then track completions.
2. Can we transition quickly? It’s not too difficult to imagine that universities are
filled with processes that have been in place for years … and no one will
change them, even if they’re flawed. Since new programs could cause upset, making
sure the transition can happen quickly and cleanly will be important. That
means getting all the stakeholders on board, finding a technology with easy
implementation processes and having a rollout plan.
3. Can we make some room in the budget? Sometimes just looking at the loss of productivity
can be enough to secure some spend. Not all technology solutions will use up
every dollar in your HR budget. Especially when you need to secure spend approvals
beforehand, making the case for the savings (even if there is a cost) will help
you get some budget freed up for the solution purchase.
Streamlining your performance management can be easy, but getting your institution or
university ready for the change will go a long way toward program success.
Answer these questions and get ready to upgrade your own performance management
approach.
