SLAC will be using a new performance evaluation form and process for this year’s annual performance reviews. The new form and process have been endorsed by the Associate Directors in all Divisions and will be used consistently throughout the Laboratory.

There are three key differences from the old evaluation: (1) there is one form for all employees; (2) the rating scales have changed; and (3) there is more focus on individual expectations and growth.

New Ratings

SLAC will no longer be using the old ratings of ‘Outstanding’, ‘Excellent’, ‘Very Good’, etc. Instead, new ratings will be used in two areas—job competencies and overall performance. The ratings for job competencies are: Needs Improvement, Meets Expectations and A Strength.

The overall performance summaries will use a number scale between 1 and 4 to identify where employees are in terms of meeting the expectations of their jobs.

A supervisor’s expectations for an employee will be based on the employee’s job, and the skills, educational background and experience the employee brings to the job. A complete explanation of the new performance ratings will be sent to all employees in a memo from Human Resources.

The annual performance evaluation is part of an ongoing process of performance management that includes getting input from employees; giving employees feedback; recognizing accomplishments; and improving performance and modifying unproductive behavior.