Promoting Development & Driving Success Through the Mid-Year Review Check-In

Written by: Stephanie Burford, PHR, HR Manager at Advisor HR

Can you believe it’s already July? Where has time gone? When July rolls around, the first thing that comes to mind at least professionally, is mid-year reviews. And yes, I know you’re thinking: didn’t we just do reviews this in January? Has it really been six months? The annual review process is a common process in most organizations, but mid-year reviews are just as important. Mid-year reviews are all about looking ahead and supporting growth, while annual reviews usually focus on evaluating past performance and results.

End-of-year reviews typically look back on an employee’s performance over the past 12 months and are often tied to things like compensation, promotions, or bonuses. The challenge with only doing annual reviews is that feedback can come too late, goals may have changed, and employees may not be clear on where they truly stand.

According to Forbes.com, Mid-Year Reviews: The Ultimate Guide, mid-year reviews offer a valuable opportunity to make performance adjustments before heading into a more formal, year-end evaluation. They describe it as a more relaxed, one-on-one conversation that gives employees clear, actionable feedback helping them understand how they're doing and where they can improve in the months ahead.

Mid-Year reviews come with several benefits that drive employee engagement and promote development.

1. Revisiting and Realigning Goals - Responsibilities often shift throughout the year. A mid-year review is the perfect time to check in on previously set goals and make adjustments if needed, ensuring they’re still relevant and achievable.

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3. A Chance to Improve Before Final Reviews - By clarifying expectations and providing early feedback, employees have a chance to make changes and improve before year-end reviews roll around.

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5. Improves Communication - Not every employee feels comfortable bringing up challenges during day-to-day interactions. Mid-year reviews offer dedicated time for open, honest conversations allowing a space for employees to speak up and ask questions.

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Mid-Year reviews are about forward thinking and promoting development. They provide dedicated time for both the manager and employee to check-in and better understand what’s on track, what needs adjusting, and where support might be needed.

Interested in streamlining your organization’s performance management process? Advisor HR provides a customized approach to performance management. If you are interested in streamlining your organization’s performance management process, reach out today!