10 Performance Review Templates for Managers and Employees

Employees' work performance is vital to a company's overall growth. This is why managers and leaders must evaluate their team members' performance and help them improve. One tool managers use is an evaluation form, which they may refer to during an employee performance review.

In this article, we discuss what a performance review template is and review some templates to help you create your own.

What is a performance review template?

A performance review template is a valuable tool to help managers and human resources leaders objectively evaluate an employee's work performance. This allows them to determine an employee's weaknesses and strengths. Managers typically use a template to guide them through an employee's performance evaluation by highlighting specific items to discuss. 

Related: How To Conduct an Annual Performance Review

Performance review templates

Here are some common performance review templates:

Template 1: Simple performance review

This template provides just the basics, including a list of employee qualities and skills and a rating system from poor to excellent.

Employee name:
Department:
Employee ID:
Position held:

Reviewer name:
Reviewer title:
Last review date:

Characteristics: (Enter excellent, good, satisfactory or unsatisfactory for each)

• Attendance:

• Dependability:

• Technical skills:

• Punctuality:

• Client relations:

• Co-worker relations:

• Integrity:

• Honesty:

• Creativity:

• Productivity:

• Group work:

• Initiative:

• Independent work:

• Communication:

• Work consistency:

• Quality of work:

• Works to full potential:

Goals

• Achieved goals set during the last performance review?

• Goals for the next performance review period:

Comments and approval:
Employee signature:
Reviewer signature:

To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file.

Related: 10 Tips for Doing Your Best in Performance Reviews

Template 2: GOOD performance review

GOOD is an acronym that stands for goals, obstacles, opportunities and decisions. Managers can use this template to help guide an effective one-on-one conversation.

Employee name:
Department:
Employee ID:

Reviewer Name:
Position Held:
Reviewer Title:

Feedback

• What were our short-term and long-term goals?

• How have things gone since our last conversation?

• What are our future goals?

Obstacles

• What is impeding our progress?

• What have I noticed impeding your progress?

• What can you do? What can I do to help?

Opportunities

• What are you proud of that your co-workers don't know about?

• Do you feel you're growing toward your goals?

• How can we help you to make this your dream job?

Decisions

• What steps can I take before next time?

• What steps can you take before next time?

• What other big decisions did we make?

Employee signature:
Date:

Reviewer signature:
Date:

To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file.

Related: What To Say in a Performance Review

Template 3: Quarterly performance review

Managers can use the following template to layout the topics of discussion for quarterly performance reviews:

Employee name:
Department:
Position:

Reviewer name and title:
Review period:
Date of review:

Reflect on the past

Response—What were the highlights of your previous month/quarter?

• What can you improve last month/quarter?

• What are your goals for the next month/quarter?

Make a plan

• What would make the four months successful for you at work?

• How can we help you achieve your goals?

• How do you plan to track or measure your progress on these goals?

• What actions can you take to achieve these goals?

Look for the future

• What are your goals/plans for the next quarter?

• Do you understand how your personal goals align with company goals?

Employee signature:
Date:

Reviewer signature:
Date:

To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file.

Template 4: Mid-year performance review

Managers can use the following template to lay out the points of discussion for mid-year performance conversations:

Employee name:
Department:
Position:

Reviewer name and title:
Review period:
Date of review:

Reflect on the past

Response—What were the highlights of your year so far?

• What went wrong in the last six months?

• How have things gone since our last conversation?

Make a plan

• What can make the next six months successful for you?

• What kind of support do you need to attain your goals?

• How do you plan on tracking or measuring your progress on these goals?

• What actions can you take to achieve these goals?

Look for the future

• What are your goals for the rest of this year?

• What can you do to improve your performance in the next six months?

• How can you impact your performance positively toward your ideal role?

• Do you understand how your goals align with company goals?

Employee signature:
Date:

Reviewer signature:
Date:

To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file.

Related: Performance Reviews: Sample Questions and Answers

Template 5: Peer review

Managers can use the following template to gather feedback about an employee's performance from their co-workers:

Name:
Date:

Project execution

Response—How are your tasks or projects going?

• How are you prioritizing your tasks or projects?

• How can you ensure your tasks and projects are delivered on time?

Role fit and strengths

• What ideas do you have about how we can match your skills or abilities to responsibilities?

• What characteristics do you look for in a mentor?

• Is there anyone in our company you'd like as a mentor?

Team and collaboration

• How can you improve trust with your colleagues?

• What do you expect from your colleagues?

• How can your colleagues count on you?

To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file.

Related: How To Conduct an Effective 1-on-1 (With Example Topics)

Template 6: Annual performance review

In this template, employees are evaluated on only four factors: core values, areas of improvement, goals and ability:

Employee name:
Department:

Review period:
Date of review:

• Ability to accomplish responsibilities:

• Goal achievements:

• Suggested areas of improvement:

• Demonstration of core values:

• Additional comments:

Employee signature:
Date:

Reviewer signature:
Date:

To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file.

Related: 45 Examples of Effective Performance Evaluation Phrases

Template 7: 90-day review

Managers can use the following template to review an employee's first 90 days at the company:

Employee name:
Department:
Position:

Reviewer name and title:
Review period:
Date of review:

Feedback

• What are your favorite and least favorite parts of this role?

• Are the duties of your job what you expected? Why or why not?

• What excites you the most about your daily duties?

Training, tools and resources

• Do you have the tools and resources you need to complete your duties?

• What tools and resources may help you perform your job better?

• Do you have all the information needed to perform your duties effectively?

Goal setting and alignment

• Are there any goals that may be hard for you to achieve this month/quarter?

• Do you understand how your personal goals align with company goals?

• What do you think are the right ways to achieve success over the next six, nine or 12 months?

Employee signature:
Date:

Reviewer signature:
Date:

To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file.

Related: 6 Tips To Prepare for a Performance Evaluation

Template 8: Simple one-on-one progress review

Managers can use the following template to facilitate a discussion on performance on goal progress:

Employee name:
Department:
Position:

Reviewer name and position:
Review period:
Date of review:

Before

• What's top of mind for you since our last conversation?

• How's the goal/task/project going?

• Do you have any anticipated or existing challenges or roadblocks we can discuss?

During

This section lists recommended follow-up prompts to guide what comes up during the check-in.

1. Update: Is this still in alignment with you meeting your objectives?

2. Learned: How did you apply what you learned?

3. Roadblock: Do you have (or need help with) ideas to complete your work?

4. Ideas: Have you tried [fill in the blank]?

After

• What went well? Would you change anything in the future (or next time)?

• Discuss other new or similar tasks/projects to work on next.

Employee signature:
Date:

Reviewer signature:
Date:

To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file.

Related: A Complete Guide to One-on-One Meetings With Your Boss

Template 9: Numerical scale performance review

This template comes with an ordered set of numbers where employees rate a statement on a scale of one to five. It also comes with additional performance competencies for employees with supervisory responsibilities.

Name of employee:
Position:

Date of review:
Name of reviewer:
Position:

Evaluation

• Skill and proficiency in completing assignments
  Brief explanation:

• Possess knowledge and skills to complete job duties competently
  Brief explanation:

• Skill at prioritizing, organizing and planning workload
  Brief explanation:

• Sees tasks/projects through to completion on time; holds self-accountable for assigned tasks
  Brief explanation:

• Proficiency in improving work procedures and methods as a means to achieve greater efficiency
  Brief explanation:

• Communicates with customers, peers and supervisor effectively
  Brief explanation:

• Ability to work independently
  Brief explanation:

• Ability to work as cooperatively as part of a team or with supervision
  Brief explanation:

• Willingness to take on more responsibilities
  Brief explanation:

• Reliability (meeting deadlines, punctuality, attendance)
  Brief explanation:

• Proficiency in analyzing facts, demonstrating good judgment, decision-making and problem-solving.
  Brief explanation:

Additional competencies for employees with supervisory roles

• Demonstrates fairness toward all co-workers
  Brief explanation:

• Determines performance expectations, provides timely feedback and conducts formal performance assessments
  Brief explanation:

• Helps employees see obstacles to their development and potential for honing their skills
  Brief explanation:

• Delegates tasks where appropriate, based on the potential and ability of the employee
  Brief explanation:

• Takes appropriate and timely disciplinary/corrective action with employees
  Brief explanation:

• Takes specific actions to develop and create a diverse workforce to promote an inclusive environment
  Brief explanation:

Employee's signature:
Date:

Reviewer's signature:
Date:

To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file.

Related: 87 Performance Review Phrases By Skill

Template 10: Employee self-evaluation

This self-evaluation tool allows employees to reflect on their own performance and identify barriers to, or opportunities for, personal success.

Employee:
Date of review:
Position:
Manager:
Job definition:

Attach a current job description; if applicable, note any significant developments since last year's performance review.

• Which job duties do you view as most important? Why?

• Have any special circumstances hindered or helped you perform your role this year? If yes, what was it, and how did it impact your work?

Goal setting

• What are your plans/goals next year, and what steps do you plan to take to meet these goals?

• What can your supervisor do to support you in performing your job and meeting these goals?

• What else would help you to perform your role better?

Development planning

• What kinds of professional development activities would you like to complete next year?

• What information or support do you need to accomplish these activities?

Employee signature:
Date:

To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file.

Benefits of using a performance review template

Managers and individuals in an HR department may use performance review templates because of the advantages and benefits they may provide, including:

• Maintaining consistency: Using a performance evaluation template can ensure consistency in performance analysis and review. This can help managers remain objective when considering an employee's progress and behavior, ensuring they treat all team members fairly. 

• Improving feedback quality: Performance review templates give managers guidelines and structure for the feedback they give to employees. These templates help ensure that a supervisor's feedback is clear and actionable, allowing employees to use their suggestions to continue their professional development. 

• Saving time: Performance review templates save time for HR team members and managers conducting reviews for multiple employees. This allows them to focus more on analyzing employee growth and success than on planning criteria. 

Related: Positive Feedback: Why It's Important and How To Deliver It