Hybrid and remote work has changed the way we communicate.
But that doesn't mean feedback should come just once a year.
Uncover how frequent discussions can improve productivity and retention.
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Feedback often feels unnecessary in a fast-paced environment, but it is essential to let employees know they are valued. This situation is illustrated by millions leaving the workforce as part of the ‘Great Resignation‘ because they are reconsidering what work offers them.
Only 48% of respondents said that they receive feedback once every six months or annually, with another 8% claiming they never get feedback at all.
This experience is not the choice of employees, and the findings of the study suggest that this rate of communication needs to change.
What feedback do employees want?
63% of employees claimed that they want more frequent immediate “in the moment” feedback on their work performance. Interestingly, this want is more prominent in workers under 34 (74%) than those aged 35 and above (57%).
Those who are working remotely are struggling the most to get constructive feedback. 38% of hybrid workers claim having their work assessed is a challenge, while 21% of fully remote employees experience the same issue.
Of course, a business doesn’t need to follow the whims of employees, but the sentiments of staff should be listened to, and become part of an organization’s strategy given retention and productivity are significant issues at the moment.
82% of workers say they feel valued when someone takes time to provide feedback, and 79% of workers claim that assessment is important to their professional development.
Employees also have ideas about how they can be assessed and the changes are relatively easy to implement. 31% said that they wanted more forums to gather feedback. On top of that, 46% of employees want realistic goals.
Melissa Jezior, president and CEO of Eagle Hill Consulting, outlined her thoughts on the findings: “Two years ago, employers were thrust into remote work environments, and everyone was making the best of it. Now, many employers recognize that hybrid and remote work are viable options with benefits for both employees and employers.
“But it’s challenging, especially when it comes to providing employees with the feedback they need to accomplish their goals and advance in their career.”
Drilling down into some of the data, Jezior adds: “It’s problematic that about half of employees are receiving feedback only once or twice a year.
“Employees need more ongoing and constructive feedback to be successful, and this research indicates they want more, especially younger workers.
“The key to better feedback for employers is to set up more frequent formal mechanisms for feedback and to foster a culture that embraces and promotes more ‘in the moment’ conversations about performance.”
In an age when attrition is a great concern, simply giving constructive feedback could be an effective and simple retention strategy that helps develop the skills of staff. With that in mind, it’s time to get talking to employees.
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