EPMS Performance Reviews: Complete Guide to Review Processes

System Features Special Features Performance Management
Last updated: January 26, 2026 β€’ Version: 2.1

EPMS Performance Reviews: Complete Guide to Review Processes

Overview

This comprehensive guide covers all performance review processes in the Employee Performance Management System (EPMS). Whether you’re an employee completing a self-assessment or a manager conducting reviews, this guide walks you through each step with detailed workflows and best practices.

Who this is for: All users of the EPMS system - employees, managers, and HR administrators
Prerequisites: EPMS app enabled for your organization, appropriate user permissions

πŸ“š Related Guides:

Understanding EPMS Performance Reviews

Core Components

EPMS performance reviews go beyond simple ratings to provide comprehensive employee evaluation:

graph TD A[Performance Review] --> B[Self-Assessment] A --> C[Manager Evaluation] A --> D[Goal Integration] A --> E[Development Planning] A --> F[Skills Assessment] A --> G[360 Feedback Integration] B --> B1[Performance Rating] B --> B2[Achievement Examples] B --> B3[Goal Reflection] C --> C1[Manager Rating] C --> C2[Feedback & Comments] C --> C3[Recognition Data] D --> D1[Goal Achievement Review] D --> D2[Progress Analysis] D --> D3[Next Cycle Goals] E --> E1[Development Needs] E --> E2[Learning Plans] E --> E3[Career Aspirations] F --> F1[Skills Demonstration] F --> F2[Competency Gaps] F --> F3[Growth Areas] G --> G1[Peer Feedback] G --> G2[Subordinate Input] G --> G3[Stakeholder Input] style A fill:#e1f5fe style B fill:#e8f5e8 style C fill:#fff3e0 style D fill:#f3e5f5 style E fill:#fce4ec style F fill:#e3f2fd style G fill:#f1f8e9

Module Integration in Reviews

Performance Reviews connect with:

Review Types and Cycles

Annual Reviews:

  • Comprehensive yearly performance evaluation
  • Full goal setting and development planning
  • Skills assessment and career progression discussion
  • Merit increase and promotion considerations

Quarterly Reviews:

  • Mid-cycle check-ins and course corrections
  • Progress updates on annual goals
  • Continuous feedback integration
  • Performance trend tracking

Project Reviews:

  • Specific project or initiative evaluations
  • Cross-functional collaboration assessment
  • Achievement recognition and learning capture
  • Skills development through project work

πŸ“š Detailed Workflow Guide: Performance Review Processes

Performance Review Data Integration

graph LR subgraph "Data Sources" Goals[Goals Achievement] Skills[Skills Progress] Feedback[Continuous Feedback] Recognition[Recognition Data] Training[Training Completion] end subgraph "Review Process" Self[Self-Assessment] Manager[Manager Review] Review[Final Review] end subgraph "Outputs" Ratings[Performance Ratings] Development[Development Plans] Merit[Merit Recommendations] Succession[Succession Data] end Goals --> Self Skills --> Self Feedback --> Manager Recognition --> Manager Training --> Manager Self --> Review Manager --> Review Review --> Ratings Review --> Development Review --> Merit Review --> Succession

Employee Self-Assessment Process

Step 1: Accessing Your Review

Navigation: EPMS β†’ My Performance β†’ Reviews β†’ [Active Review]

What You’ll See:

  • Review period and deadlines
  • Performance rating scale
  • Goal achievement summary
  • Skills assessment section
  • Development planning area

Step 2: Performance Self-Rating

Rating Categories:

  • Exceeds Expectations: Consistently delivers exceptional results
  • Meets Expectations: Reliably achieves expected performance levels
  • Partially Meets: Shows progress but needs improvement in some areas
  • Does Not Meet: Requires significant improvement and support

Best Practices:

  • Use specific examples and achievements
  • Reference goal completion and metric improvements
  • Include recognition and feedback received
  • Be honest about challenges and areas for growth

Step 3: Goal Achievement Review

For Each Goal:

  1. Achievement Status: Completed, In Progress, Not Started
  2. Evidence & Examples: Specific accomplishments and metrics
  3. Challenges Faced: Obstacles and how you addressed them
  4. Learning & Growth: Skills developed through goal pursuit

πŸ“š Goal Management Details: Goals Management Guide

Step 4: Skills and Competency Self-Assessment

Technical Skills:

  • Role-specific competencies and expertise levels
  • Certifications earned and knowledge gained
  • Technology proficiency and tool mastery

Behavioral Competencies:

  • Communication and collaboration effectiveness
  • Leadership behaviors and influence
  • Problem-solving and decision-making skills

πŸ“š Comprehensive Skills Guide: Competency Framework Complete Guide

Step 5: Development Planning Input

Career Aspirations:

  • Short-term career goals (1-2 years)
  • Long-term career vision (3-5 years)
  • Interest in new roles or responsibilities

Learning Preferences:

  • Formal training and certification programs
  • On-the-job learning and stretch assignments
  • Mentoring and coaching opportunities

πŸ“š Development Planning: Development Plans Guide


Manager Review Process

Pre-Review Preparation

Data Review Checklist:

  • Employee’s self-assessment completion
  • Goal achievement data and metrics
  • Continuous feedback history
  • Recognition and achievement records
  • Training completion and certifications
  • 360 feedback results (if available)

πŸ“š Manager Resources: Quick Reference & Troubleshooting

Manager Evaluation Steps

Step 1: Performance Assessment

  • Review self-assessment for accuracy and completeness
  • Compare self-ratings with observed performance
  • Consider peer feedback and stakeholder input
  • Evaluate goal achievement and metric improvements

Step 2: Skills and Competency Evaluation

  • Assess technical skill demonstration in daily work
  • Evaluate behavioral competencies and leadership
  • Identify strengths and development opportunities
  • Consider promotion and advancement readiness

Step 3: Development and Growth Planning

  • Review employee career aspirations
  • Identify skill gaps and development needs
  • Recommend learning opportunities and assignments
  • Connect with organizational succession planning

Manager Review Best Practices

Calibration Guidelines:

  • Exceeds Expectations: Top 10-15% of performers, exceptional impact
  • Meets Expectations: 70-80% of team, solid, reliable performance
  • Partially Meets: 10-15% of team, showing improvement but not fully effective
  • Does Not Meet: 5% of team, requires immediate performance improvement

Evidence-Based Feedback:

  • Use specific examples and behavioral observations
  • Reference data from integrated systems (goals, feedback, recognition)
  • Focus on both achievements and development opportunities
  • Provide actionable recommendations for improvement

Review Meeting and Discussion

Preparing for the Performance Conversation

Manager Preparation:

  • Review all assessment data and evidence
  • Prepare specific examples and feedback points
  • Identify development opportunities and resources
  • Plan career progression discussion points

Employee Preparation:

  • Review self-assessment and reflection notes
  • Prepare questions about feedback and development
  • Consider career goals and aspiration discussion
  • Gather examples of achievements and growth

Performance Review Meeting Structure

1. Opening and Context Setting (5 minutes)

  • Review the purpose and process
  • Acknowledge employee’s self-assessment work
  • Set a collaborative tone for discussion

2. Performance Discussion (20 minutes)

  • Discuss key achievements and contributions
  • Review goal completion and metric improvements
  • Address any rating discrepancies
  • Celebrate successes and recognize growth

3. Development Planning (15 minutes)

  • Explore career aspirations and interests
  • Identify skill development opportunities
  • Discuss learning preferences and resources
  • Plan next steps for professional growth

4. Goal Setting for Next Period (15 minutes)

  • Review organizational priorities and expectations
  • Collaborate on goal creation and alignment
  • Ensure goals are SMART and achievable
  • Connect individual goals to team objectives

5. Wrap-up and Next Steps (5 minutes)

  • Summarize key discussion points
  • Confirm development plan actions
  • Schedule follow-up conversations
  • Address any final questions or concerns

Review Integration with Other EPMS Modules

Goals Management Integration

During Review:

  • Automatic display of goal achievement status
  • Progress tracking and metric analysis
  • Challenge and obstacle documentation
  • Success factor identification

Post-Review:

  • Next cycle goal creation and approval
  • Goal modification based on review outcomes
  • Career goal alignment with performance results

πŸ“š Learn More: Goals Management Guide

Skills and Development Integration

Skills Assessment:

  • Competency framework evaluation
  • Skills gap identification
  • Development priority setting
  • Learning pathway recommendations

Development Planning:

  • Individual development plan creation
  • Learning activity assignment
  • Mentoring and coaching arrangements
  • Progress tracking and milestone setting
πŸ“š Learn More: Skills Tracking Guide Development Plans Guide

360 Feedback Integration

Multi-Source Input:

  • Peer feedback compilation
  • Subordinate input analysis
  • Stakeholder feedback integration
  • Comprehensive perspective development

πŸ“š Learn More: 360-Degree Feedback Guide

Merit and Compensation Integration

Performance-Based Compensation:

  • Merit increase calculations
  • Promotion readiness assessment
  • Compensation equity analysis
  • Budget allocation planning

πŸ“š Learn More: Merit Matrix Complete Guide


Review Quality and Calibration

Ensuring Fair and Consistent Reviews

Calibration Sessions:

  • Manager review calibration meetings
  • Rating distribution analysis
  • Bias identification and mitigation
  • Consistency check across teams

Quality Assurance:

  • Review completion rate tracking
  • Feedback quality assessment
  • Employee satisfaction monitoring
  • Process improvement identification

Review Analytics and Insights

Performance Trends:

  • Individual performance progression
  • Team performance comparisons
  • Skills development tracking
  • Goal achievement patterns

Organizational Insights:

  • Performance distribution analysis
  • Skills gap identification across teams
  • Development need prioritization
  • Succession planning data

πŸ“š Complete Analytics Guide: Analytics & Reporting Guide


Troubleshooting Common Issues

Employee Issues

Cannot Access Review:

  • Verify review cycle is active
  • Check user permissions and role assignments
  • Clear browser cache and try different browser
  • Contact HR administrator for access issues

Missing Data in Review:

  • Ensure goals are properly set and tracked
  • Verify skills assessment completion
  • Check continuous feedback data synchronization
  • Confirm integration with external systems

Manager Issues

Team Reviews Not Visible:

  • Verify manager-employee relationships in system
  • Check review cycle configuration and timing
  • Confirm manager permissions and access levels
  • Review organizational structure setup

Calibration Concerns:

  • Review rating distribution guidelines
  • Participate in calibration sessions with other managers
  • Use performance data and evidence for decisions
  • Consult HR for guidance on rating standards

πŸ“š Complete Troubleshooting: Quick Reference & Troubleshooting


Best Practices for Effective Reviews

For Employees

Preparation:

  • Keep ongoing record of achievements throughout the year
  • Collect feedback and recognition examples
  • Track goal progress and update regularly
  • Reflect on learning and development experiences

During Review:

  • Be honest and specific in self-assessments
  • Use concrete examples and data
  • Engage actively in development planning
  • Ask questions about feedback and career growth

For Managers

Ongoing Management:

  • Provide continuous feedback throughout the year
  • Document performance observations and examples
  • Support employee goal achievement
  • Recognize contributions and achievements regularly

Review Excellence:

  • Use data and evidence in evaluations
  • Focus on both performance and development
  • Provide specific, actionable feedback
  • Connect individual performance to organizational goals

For HR Administrators

System Management:

  • Monitor review completion rates and quality
  • Provide manager training and calibration support
  • Analyze performance data for organizational insights
  • Continuously improve process based on feedback

πŸ“š System Setup: EPMS Setup & Configuration Guide


Core Performance Management

Supporting Modules

Advanced Features

Support Resources


Next Steps

For New Users

  1. Start with EPMS App Overview for system context
  2. Review Goals Management Guide for goal setting
  3. Complete your first performance review using this guide

For Managers

  1. Review Manager sections in troubleshooting guide
  2. Explore 360 Feedback for comprehensive insights
  3. Learn about Merit Matrix integration for compensation planning

For HR Administrators

  1. Configure review cycles using Setup Guide
  2. Implement Competency Frameworks
  3. Monitor progress with Analytics & Reporting

Remember: Performance reviews are just one part of the comprehensive EPMS ecosystem. Leverage integration with other modules for maximum impact on employee development and organizational performance.

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