Appraisals and Feedback at Work

What to Expect From a Work Appraisal

Many employers hold regular appraisals with their staff. These meetings give your manager a chance to discuss how you are performing and let you raise anything on your mind about your role or working conditions.

During an appraisal, your manager will typically review your recent work, highlight what you are doing well, and point out areas where you could develop further. You may also discuss your goals for the coming months and any training or support you might need. Appraisals can sometimes lead to salary adjustments, promotions, or formal developmental plans.

The format varies between organisations. Some companies run formal annual reviews with paperwork and set objectives, while others prefer informal catch ups every few months. You might also encounter 360 degree feedback, where input comes from colleagues and sometimes subordinates as well as your manager. Some workplaces now use performance management software to track objectives and record feedback throughout the year.

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How to Prepare

Walking into an appraisal unprepared can leave you struggling to contribute meaningfully. Preparing thoughtfully in advance helps you get more out of the conversation.

Start by reflecting on your own performance since the last review. Consider what has gone well, where you have struggled, and whether anything has changed in your role. Think about specific examples you can mention if your manager asks about particular projects or tasks.

It also helps to write down any questions or concerns you want to raise. This might include requests for training, queries about progression, or practical issues affecting your work. Having these ready means you are less likely to forget them in the moment.

If your employer uses a self assessment form, fill it in honestly. Many managers value staff who can recognise both their achievements and the areas where they are still developing.

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Receiving Feedback Constructively

Hearing criticism about your work can be uncomfortable, even when it is delivered kindly. The natural instinct is often to become defensive or dismiss the comments. Neither response tends to help.

Try to listen fully before responding. Ask questions if anything is unclear and take notes if that helps you remember the points raised. If you disagree with something, say so calmly and explain your perspective, but remain open to the possibility that your manager has noticed something you have not.

It is also worth acknowledging positive feedback. If your manager tells you something is going well, take note of it. Understanding what you do well helps you build on those strengths and contributes to your ongoing development.

After the meeting, give yourself time to process what was said. Some feedback takes a while to sink in properly. You can then decide what to act on and how.

Asking For Feedback Outside Appraisals

Not every workplace runs formal appraisals. Even if yours does, you do not have to wait for the next scheduled meeting to get feedback on your performance.

If you want to know how you are doing, ask your manager directly. Many managers appreciate when employees take this initiative. Pick a quiet moment rather than catching them when they are clearly busy, and keep the request straightforward. Something like asking whether there is anything you could be doing differently usually works.

You can also ask colleagues for informal feedback, particularly if you work closely together. They may notice things your manager does not see.

If you have concerns about your treatment at work or believe you are being unfairly assessed, Acas can help. The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service provides free guidance on workplace issues in Great Britain and can also mediate in disputes if needed.

Regular feedback, whether through formal appraisals or informal conversations, helps you stay on track and develop in your role. Making use of these opportunities is a practical approach to managing your own career progression.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Career Change Matcher lets you tell us what is not working and what you want instead and we will match you with career paths that fit. Try it now →