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Informative, thought-provoking articles for Human Resources and talent management.
Posted February 22, 2024 • 7 min read
You've sent out your engagement survey, had a great response rate, and now you're ready to take action. But what kind of action should you take? Engagement surveys are a powerful tool for understanding the pulse of… Read more →
Posted February 02, 2024 • 8 min read
What is a Matrixed Organization? The traditional hierarchical model has long been the standard for most organizational structures - but things are changing. The matrixed organization is an innovative structure that b… Read more →
Posted January 08, 2024 • 13 min read
As workplaces continue to evolve and adapt, traditional approaches to performance management are being left behind. In their place, we now have agile performance management - a dynamic and flexible approach that embra… Read more →
Posted December 06, 2023 • 10 min read
Welcome to the final stretch of the year! As we approach the end, it's time to reflect on our accomplishments and set our sights on what lies ahead. Yes, it's that time again – end-of-year performance management seaso… Read more →
Posted November 27, 2023 • 10 min read
As we approach the end of another year, it's time to start thinking about how to make the next one even better. And when it comes to talent management and employee performance, there's no better tool than Trakstar Per… Read more →
Posted November 01, 2023 • 7 min read
Boosting business performance and achieving growth are top priorities for any organization. To achieve these goals, businesses must focus on two key elements: productivity and engagement. Both factors play a crucial r… Read more →
Posted October 25, 2023 • 7 min read
Whether you're a manager providing feedback or an employee on the receiving end, navigating this labyrinth can sometimes feel like walking through a dense fog. But fear not - we're here to guide you with tips and stra… Read more →
Posted October 10, 2023 • 7 min read
As companies settle into their decisions to go back into the office or stay remote, one question is raised: how can we keep remote employees engaged? The rise of technology and shifting attitudes towards work-life bal… Read more →
Posted October 03, 2023 • 9 min read
Annual performance reviews are often considered daunting tasks, filled with anxiety and uncertainty for both managers and employees. However, when approached with the right mindset and strategies, they can become valu… Read more →
Posted September 27, 2023 • 7 min read
Unlocking the potential of your employees is the key to success within any organization. One powerful tool HR leaders have at their disposal is meaningful self-evaluation. By empowering employees to take a closer look… Read more →
Posted August 31, 2023 • 8 min read
Imagine a workplace where everyone takes ownership of their actions, meets deadlines consistently, and holds themselves accountable for delivering quality work. Such an environment fosters trust, encourages innovation… Read more →
Posted August 22, 2023 • 8 min read
Do you ever wish for a little extra oomph from your employees? Or hat you could find a way to improve work performance? Well, you're not alone! In today's fast-paced and competitive world, consistently bringing your A… Read more →
Posted August 01, 2023 • 8 min read
What's the secret to unlocking the full potential of your team? Many argue that modeling and expecting high performance becomes the key. The problem? High-performance management is often trickier than managing underpe… Read more →
Posted July 24, 2023 • 6 min read
Performance reviews are a crucial part of any organization's growth and success. They provide an opportunity to assess employee performance, set goals, and offer constructive feedback. However, not all conversations d… Read more →
Posted July 10, 2023 • 26 min read
Training and developing your employees is one of those tasks that many HR leaders fear and even resent. It's become one of the most complex parts of the job for many. Employee training software can change the game for… Read more →
Posted July 06, 2023 • 9 min read
If you're a business owner or manager, you know just how important it is to have an effective performance evaluation system. But did you know that standardizing and performance review calibration can significantly enh… Read more →
Posted June 30, 2023 • 9 min read
Remote work isn't going anywhere, even as there is a push to return to the office. Whether remote, hybrid, or a mixture of the two, most companies will now have a least a portion of their workforce remote. While this … Read more →
Posted June 28, 2023 • 7 min read
Having a career development conversation with your employees is essential to investing in them and making them feel seen. After all, most people want to do better and be better in their jobs - it's why performance man… Read more →
Posted June 26, 2023 • 8 min read
We all know that the portrayal of HR departments (and even HR professionals) in books, movies, and television is wrong. But the question often gets asked in new and growing businesses: what should your HR department l… Read more →
Posted June 20, 2023 • 6 min read
As the world becomes increasingly globalized, international relationships in the workplace are becoming more critical than ever, not only for people as employees but as humans. After all, people spend more time with t… Read more →
Posted June 09, 2023 • 9 min read
It's nearly impossible to turn on the news and not see labor statistics flashing across the screen about hiring growth (or lack thereof). Layoffs are happening everywhere, and we see businesses in our local communitie… Read more →
Posted June 05, 2023 • 10 min read
Company culture is the backbone of every successful business. It encompasses everything, from your values and beliefs to how you work together as a team to achieve goals. Some people will call this organizational cult… Read more →
Posted June 01, 2023 • 8 min read
What is the right cadence for performance reviews? Quarterly performance reviews? Mid-year reviews? Annual reviews only Does it really matter? (Spoiler alert: yes) We have some suggestions if you need help decid… Read more →
Posted May 26, 2023 • 6 min read
Rater fatigue can be a significant problem when conducting effective performance evaluations. Why? Managers and people leaders provide feedback regularly, and it can sometimes feel like they need to be more communicat… Read more →
Posted May 22, 2023 • 10 min read
Summer is just around the corner, and as much as we all love the warm weather and sunshine, it can also bring unique challenges for businesses. From employees wanting time off to enjoy vacations to dealing with childc… Read more →
Posted May 19, 2023 • 9 min read
Employees are the backbone of any organization, but if they don't see room for growth, they will leave. It's that simple. Creating employee development plans is one way to increase engagement and employee retention ra… Read more →
Posted May 16, 2023 • 7 min read
As companies continue to embrace the hybrid workplace model, where employees work from home and in the office, there has been a noticeable increase in cases of employee underperformance. This metric comes as no surpri… Read more →
Posted May 12, 2023 • 7 min read
Are you looking to stay updated on the latest HR trends, network with industry professionals, and gain valuable insight into human resources management? Look no further than HR conferences! These events provide a plat… Read more →
Posted May 08, 2023 • 9 min read
Employee attrition is one of the most significant hurdles that organizations face today - and there are fears that it may not slow down anytime soon. We've all heard about the Great Resignation, but it goes deeper tha… Read more →
Posted May 05, 2023 • 7 min read
Are your employees merely engaged, or are they genuinely experiencing their work and enjoying it? When comparing employee engagement vs. experience, you might think that taking care of one thing is enough, but you mus… Read more →
Posted May 01, 2023 • 7 min read
Active listening is a skill that many managers think they have, but they don't. One of the number one reasons employees leave is because they don't feel heard or understood by their managers. Active listening can fix … Read more →
Posted April 28, 2023 • 6 min read
Are you tired of feeling like your business is just treading water, never making any real progress? If so, you may need a tool that many successful companies use: enterprise performance management (EPM). Think you'… Read more →
Posted April 24, 2023 • 9 min read
In today's fast-paced business environment, maximizing efficiency is crucial to staying ahead of the competition. HR departments are no exception; they need to streamline their operations and improve productivity whil… Read more →
Posted April 21, 2023 • 11 min read
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have become buzzwords in recent years. However, DEI isn't just a passing trend or a temporary fix – it's essential to creating a workplace culture that values and respects everyo… Read more →
Posted April 20, 2023 • 8 min read
As companies continue to invest in their HR departments, the threat of fraud remains a significant concern. With the rise of digital technology and increased access to sensitive information, HR fraud has become more p… Read more →
Posted April 19, 2023 • 5 min read
Manager buy-in and engagement are critical for the success of the employee review process, particularly when it comes to larger organizations with many employees, leaders, and stakeholders. When your HR department nee… Read more →
Posted April 14, 2023 • 7 min read
Effective onboarding is essential for setting new hires up for success in their new roles. A well-designed onboarding program can help new employees feel welcomed, engaged, and productive from day one. Studies have sh… Read more →
Posted April 07, 2023 • 10 min read
Don't think modern performance reviews are for you? Are you tired of spending hours wrangling spreadsheets and trying to make sense of employee performance data as part of your performance management process? Do yo… Read more →
Posted April 03, 2023 • 10 min read
April is known to some people as Second Chance Month - a time to start again on your New Year's resolutions, give people another chance in your life and just be more open to trying something again. You might be surpri… Read more →
Posted March 31, 2023 • 7 min read
Investing in new tools to help your employees complete their jobs at faster rates is a gamble for most companies. Getting manager buy-in for new tools requires leaders to talk to management teams and team members and … Read more →
Posted March 29, 2023 • 4 min read
Data-Driven Organizations One of the most challenging things we face as leaders is gathering and acting on data. Data shows us the good results and the bad results…giving us the opportunity to remedy or double d… Read more →
Posted March 24, 2023 • 7 min read
If you're looking at your employee engagement analytics and wondering, "what am I looking at here," you aren't alone. There are some definite trends within your employee engagement analytics that you can spot - even i… Read more →
Posted March 21, 2023 • 6 min read
Does your workplace prioritize digital accessibility? To be completely digitally accessible means that your online environment is equally accessible for employees and job seekers. In a remote and hybrid world, we have… Read more →
Posted March 17, 2023 • 10 min read
Employee engagement is a crucial aspect of any organization's success. Without it, organizations will flounder with retention rate issues and a revolving door of employees. Engaged employees are more productive, commi… Read more →
Posted March 14, 2023 • 9 min read
Working in your home office can seem like a dream - or a nightmare. If you work remotely or in a hybrid environment, your home office can make or break your productivity, focus, and results. If you are setting up you… Read more →
Posted March 08, 2023 • 8 min read
Chelsea Baker, the Director of Customer Experience and Adoption here at Trakstar, is one of the most recognizable faces for employees and customers. You may have seen her on some of our webinars, heard her voice in ou… Read more →
Posted March 06, 2023 • 10 min read
At Trakstar, we are celebrating Women's History Month by highlighting 15 women business leaders you should know - and sharing some of the lessons they've taught us. As part of our year-long initiative to help people b… Read more →
Posted March 01, 2023 • 8 min read
When HR leaders form talent development plans, sometimes there isn't a focus on employee wellness. This isn't because HR leaders don't see the importance of employee well-being. Instead, it is because they are under i… Read more →
Posted February 28, 2023 • 4 min read
Over the last few months, you may have noticed a new buzzword emerge: talent management. Talent management has always been a part of the game for people who have worked in human resources, people operations, and peopl… Read more →
Posted February 24, 2023 • 5 min read
Performance review biases are bad - we all know that. However, how can you avoid them when we are all people with opinions, perspectives, and experiences? It isn't easy, especially for new managers, large organization… Read more →
Posted February 23, 2023 • 6 min read
Technology has become an essential part of our daily lives, facilitating efficiency in dealing with dynamic aspects of life, including workplaces. One of the ways HR professionals can utilize technology at their workp… Read more →
Posted February 17, 2023 • 7 min read
This year, we're focusing on building and leading great teams. To start, we wanted to highlight and celebrate ten top Black business leaders you should know. February is Black History Month, and the history of Black l… Read more →
Posted February 09, 2023 • 4 min read
Trakstar Academy is our interactive user guide to all things Trakstar. We've called it a deep dive into all parts of Trakstar's suite of products, including Learn, Hire, Perform, and Insights. Developed by Director of… Read more →
Posted February 07, 2023 • 6 min read
Stay interviews are a controversial topic for many. Some people love them, and some people hate them. There are good reasons for both sides of the argument, but hiring costs a lot, so more people are thinking about th… Read more →
Posted February 03, 2023 • 4 min read
Implementation is one of the most important pieces of the Trakstar puzzle. Once you’ve had your personalized demo, talked to your own team, and decided that Trakstar is the best option for talent management at your co… Read more →
Posted January 31, 2023 • 3 min read
Hi [first name]! If you have an email address, chances are you've got an email with that opening line. Does that company really think your name is "first name?" No (at least they shouldn't - apologies to anyone wit… Read more →
Posted January 27, 2023 • 6 min read
What makes employees stay with their companies? What makes them leave? When we think about the fallout from the Great Resignation, we know that we collected data about why people quit. However, there needed to be more… Read more →
Posted January 18, 2023 • 8 min read
You've probably heard about it a lot over the last few weeks and months: HR digitization is the future, and we all need to prepare for it. Before you start worrying about updating everything, taking years of work, and… Read more →
Posted January 13, 2023 • 5 min read
Performance reviews are an essential aspect of any organizational structure. They provide a formal opportunity for employees to receive feedback on their job performance, set goals for improvement, and discuss their c… Read more →
Posted January 12, 2023 • 7 min read
Talent management is an integral part of any business as it helps to ensure that the right people are in the right positions to maximize the company’s potential. It is more than just a theory or a concept. It is a pro… Read more →
Posted January 04, 2023 • 6 min read
There's always a weird feeling in the air about a new year. While many people have hope and aspirations about the next twelve months, there's an underlying feeling of fear and trepidation for what could be - what if t… Read more →
Posted December 29, 2022 • 8 min read
Every year, we create a ton of interesting content that people read, listen to, and use in their careers - and 2022 was no different. It’s always interesting to see what people care about - and it helps us create bett… Read more →
Posted December 20, 2022 • 6 min read
If you're involved in talent development, you know it's a battle of old school vs. new school at many companies. Often, these competing factions want the best for the company and its people; they just want to go about… Read more →
Posted December 16, 2022 • 5 min read
The end of the year is quickly approaching, so it’s time to make some important preparations for next year while tying up loose strings from this year. While you might be tempted to focus solely on how your department… Read more →
Posted December 12, 2022 • 6 min read
Employee turnover rates have been at the forefront of all people leaders' minds lately - and with good reason. Companies are seeing massive employee churn rates and investing more in employee retention than ever. I… Read more →
Posted December 09, 2022 • 5 min read
Every organization needs the talent to succeed and prosper, but top talent can be hard to find. A dynamic and skilled Human Resources Department will help attract and retain talent and uncover the talent you didn't kn… Read more →
Posted December 05, 2022 • 7 min read
It looks like 2024 will be a bumpy year for everyone, including businesses and organizations of all sizes. Anyone looking to expand and bring in new talent and employees (or nurture the ones they have) will have ample… Read more →
Posted December 01, 2022 • 5 min read
If you work in HR, you know that people are starting to talk more about “workations” or going on vacation and working at the same time. While this may have been almost unheard of a few years ago for most people, it is… Read more →
Posted November 29, 2022 • 8 min read
Ask any HR professional or people leader what they use to manage people and record essential data, and you’ll get a litany of answers that tell you a lot about a person. Some people still use paper performance r… Read more →
Posted November 17, 2022 • 4 min read
Do you have goals for your workforce? It's time to start going after them right now. You cannot put off talent development with the way the labor market is right now. Why? People will be fighting for the best talent, … Read more →
Posted November 10, 2022 • 5 min read
The 2022 workplace is all over the place - for some, their offices are remote; for others, they’re hybrid; and still, others are back in the office five days a week. But no matter where you perform your job, we can al… Read more →
Posted October 17, 2022 • 7 min read
Running employee check-ins (also known as one-on-one meetings, progress meetings, appraisals, reviews, catch-ups, sit-downs, and so much more, depending on the organization) is something all good managers and leaders … Read more →
Posted October 14, 2022 • 7 min read
Creating a mentorship training or employee mentorship program at your company helps to share valuable information, experiences, skills, and insider knowledge that a new employee may not typically get during a traditio… Read more →
Posted October 12, 2022 • 14 min read
We had a great opportunity to share a conversation with Desiree Goldey, the Talent Operations Manager for Hub Recruiting. As a customer of Trakstar Hire, Desiree uses Hire for tracking candidates and recruiting during… Read more →
Posted October 10, 2022 • 7 min read
Managing a remote workforce is challenging for even the best leaders. Whether your company has always had remote workers or you were thrust into remote workforce management because of the pandemic, it’s not something … Read more →
Posted October 07, 2022 • 11 min read
Employee retention strategies seem to be what all HR leaders, C-Suites, and anyone who manages employees are talking about. Finding good employees is difficult, but keeping them is even more challenging. Everyone is t… Read more →
Posted October 04, 2022 • 8 min read
What are the best HR books for people leaders? There are many ways to improve in your role as a people leader, whether you are the director of human resources or studying for your HR certification. Books can help you … Read more →
Posted September 30, 2022 • 6 min read
If your company is having difficulty with turnover, it's a sign that something is happening within your organization. We can all point to studies that talk about people staying in jobs for a shorter amount of time or … Read more →
Posted September 23, 2022 • 8 min read
End-of-the-year reviews are creeping up - are you ready for them? If you aren't already preparing, you might be unable to get the most out of your performance review cycle. End-of-the-year reviews are imperative for m… Read more →
Posted August 31, 2022 • 7 min read
How do you resolve conflicts in your team? It’s difficult for managers and HR leaders to deal with conflicts in teams, particularly high-achieving teams. However, too much conflict can lead to burnout, churn, and a la… Read more →
Posted August 18, 2022 • 7 min read
It’s all over TikTok, Twitter, and even LinkedIn right now: Quiet Quitting. This trend is something that many HR leaders have been talking about for as long as there have been HR leaders, but now that it officially ha… Read more →
Posted August 17, 2022 • 5 min read
We’ve all been setting SMART goals for employees for a long time, but is that still a good idea? Are SMART goals still the smart way to go? You’ll see many people saying yes and some saying no. Some people use the HAR… Read more →
Posted August 10, 2022 • 5 min read
Benchmarking is a practice and tool used to help leaders compare with industry peers and find out “where they stand” against their competition. For years, benchmarking was considered something used solely in the mathe… Read more →
Posted August 01, 2022 • 7 min read
Soon, Trakstar Insights is going to be unveiling its newest feature: Benchmarking for Trakstar Perform. For this blog, we’ll talk to some of the team behind Trakstar Insights and Benchmarking to get their take on what… Read more →
Posted July 25, 2022 • 7 min read
The popularity of specific leadership models ebbs and flows like many other trends in people leadership. Still, one truth remains: every organization has leaders that fit into these categories, for better or worse. Hi… Read more →
Posted July 18, 2022 • 6 min read
If you are looking for uplifting, motivational, funny, or inspirational human resources quotes, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve been gathering a list of quotes about human resources to share with you for the mom… Read more →
Posted July 11, 2022 • 7 min read
Zoom fatigue is real! You might think leading employees who work from home means they are less stressed, easier to handle, and happier than ever. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Zoom fatigue syndrome is som… Read more →
Posted July 08, 2022 • 6 min read
Are you using metrics to help you understand the employee lifecycle at your organization? If you aren’t, you may be missing out on key insights and information that can help you retain your best employees, predict how… Read more →
Posted July 05, 2022 • 7 min read
Finding a human resources podcast is a bit like finding a rainbow unicorn in the wild - it’s hard to do! However, there are some truly great resources for HR leaders looking for podcasts. The best podcasts for HR prof… Read more →
Posted July 01, 2022 • 4 min read
If you are looking for employee appreciation ideas and tips, it’s probably been some time since you thanked your employees properly. The world is strange, and your workers feel a lot of it. If you haven’t shown apprec… Read more →
Posted June 27, 2022 • 7 min read
If you are revamping the way you hire - and most of us are because of the Great Resignation, seasonal hiring, and even Beyonce - you need to seriously consider grading your hiring process. HR leaders and recruiters fa… Read more →
Posted June 22, 2022 • 6 min read
As part of the Trakstar Platform, Trakstar Hire has helped thousands of organizations attract some of their top talents. Right now, finding talent is more complex than ever, and it seems like those challenges aren’t g… Read more →
Posted June 17, 2022 • 7 min read
How are your mid-year performance reviews going? You can be honest - this is a stressful time for many people (HR leaders and employees alike), and sometimes things don’t go smoothly. Mid-year performance reviews … Read more →
Posted June 10, 2022 • 4 min read
Working for HR in healthcare feels exceptionally different than it does in other industries. Why? Healthcare workers have always faced pushback, overwork, and public pressures - all of those struggles are felt by the … Read more →
Posted June 03, 2022 • 1 min read
It’s a time to reflect on our beliefs and how, as leaders, our beliefs and experiences have the ability to affect the people in our organizations and their loved ones. A friend has a child who recently transition… Read more →
Posted May 26, 2022 • 4 min read
As leaders, one of the toughest things we face is setting clear expectations, gaining alignment from others, and creating structures for accountability. And, if we have set expectations, we need to expect everyone to… Read more →
Posted May 13, 2022 • 5 min read
You’ve put the time and effort into creating engagement surveys, sending them out to your employees, and reading their feedback. Now, your job is done - right? Wrong. After you complete an engagement survey, you… Read more →
Posted May 06, 2022 • 10 min read
Setting department goals and setting reasonable department goals are two very different things. Everyone can set a goal and forget about it until performance reviews come around and they suddenly remember them again. … Read more →
Posted April 29, 2022 • 6 min read
People operations, also known as PeopleOps, is a popular phrase or idea in human resources, talent development, and people management. PeopleOps puts people before operations-quite literally. The goal is to create a h… Read more →
Posted April 22, 2022 • 7 min read
Attracting, retaining, and engaging high achieving employees is difficult for many managers to do. Why? High achieving employees tend to be the hardest workers, but they come with a peculiar set of quirks that you can… Read more →
Posted April 15, 2022 • 4 min read
Today in one of my CEO peer groups, a fellow leader posed a question: How do you survey your internal leadership teams for feedback? What do you ask? What are great performance review questions for leaders? What a … Read more →
Posted April 05, 2022 • 7 min read
When you store employee data of any kind, there is an employer responsibility to protect employee information. Human resources has a huge part in employee data protection. This department holds some of the most sensit… Read more →
Posted March 29, 2022 • 5 min read
As part of the Trakstar Platform, Trakstar Learn has already helped thousands of companies onboard, educate, upskill, and equip their fantastic teams through courses, multimedia content, quizzes, and more. Now, the im… Read more →
Posted March 25, 2022 • 7 min read
Human resources leaders talk about onboarding more than they talk about almost anything else these days. Why? It’s because they are doing more hiring than they’ve ever done, and they are starting to see that they need… Read more →
Posted March 15, 2022 • 4 min read
What happens when HR leaders embrace human data? This is the time for HR to stay in the seat at the table. We’ve wanted it. We’ve got it. Finding, Hiring, and Retaining talent will not get easier. It will be diffe… Read more →
Posted March 08, 2022 • 5 min read
As part of the Trakstar Platform, Trakstar Learn has already helped thousands of organizations onboard, train, upskill, and equip fantastic teams. Now, those capabilities are about to go even deeper thanks to the laun… Read more →
Posted March 04, 2022 • 6 min read
Employee management software is an important tool for all HR leaders, but there comes a time when having too many tools is just confusing and adds to the complexity of your job. The goal of all human resources tools s… Read more →
Posted February 25, 2022 • 4 min read
At Trakstar, we’ve been talking about expectation setting and how to align our teams and company overall. This year, I thought it might be helpful to outline what we expect from our employees as a remote company - … Read more →
Posted February 22, 2022 • 6 min read
Knowing that you have to fight employee burnout in healthcare is one giant step most of us have taken over the last few years, but knowing how to fight employee burnout in healthcare is another step altogether. Fighti… Read more →
Posted February 15, 2022 • 7 min read
Reducing employee turnover is the type of thing that keeps some human resources leaders up at night. It’s a very difficult thing to do, especially in today's world when employees are more willing than ever to jump fro… Read more →
Posted February 11, 2022 • 5 min read
If you need to develop leaders in your organization, you have a daunting task ahead of you. Employees need to be self-reliant and take initiative for the work that they do. However, a good workplace needs to have lead… Read more →
Posted February 08, 2022 • 6 min read
If you are returning to work, it can be daunting. All departments are going to face particular struggles and challenges, but few will feel the push as much as human resources does. It's going to be difficult, there's … Read more →
Posted February 04, 2022 • 5 min read
Fairly often, you will see a notification go out - either on social media, within your Trakstar Learn, Hire, or Perform app, or in the newsletter - that Trakstar has new integrations. Sometimes, these integration name… Read more →
Posted February 01, 2022 • 6 min read
Reflecting on the lessons of 2022, it’s clear we’re at the dawn of a new labor cycle; not only has the hiring market bounced back from the disruption of early 2020, but now many organizations are finding themselves sh… Read more →
Posted January 28, 2022 • 5 min read
Workforce analytics take the information HR leaders already gather from your employees, in one way or another, and give you a new perspective on what employees are doing, who they are, and even where you (collectively… Read more →
Posted January 25, 2022 • 6 min read
With critical workforce data from Insights at your fingertips, you can write your own narrative about how HR can help shape your business outcomes and show why you deserve a seat at the table. Introducing Trakstar In… Read more →
Posted January 21, 2022 • 4 min read
Hiring for the medical field is difficult, and HR faces a wide array of challenges, including legal challenges. Every field has its own problems, but ignoring the legal issues can lead to discrimination disputes, obst… Read more →
Posted January 18, 2022 • 5 min read
In the post-pandemic world, business is booming, but workers are stressed. While recent workplace shifts like remote arrangements are proving popular, such silver linings aren’t compensating for rising workloads and b… Read more →
Posted January 14, 2022 • 6 min read
Writing performance improvement plans (PIPs) is a formal way to alert an employee that there is an issue with their performance while giving them actionable feedback and goals to improve. PIPs typically outline a time… Read more →
Posted January 11, 2022 • 5 min read
Too often, when we focus on hiring someone, we focus on things that don’t contribute to their success in the long run. This causes us to miss out on people who could be great employees. Part of this is because we are … Read more →
Posted January 07, 2022 • 6 min read
Upskilling is one of the most popular terms within the human resources space right now, and with good reason. It is a trend that promotes continuous learning and improvement of existing employees, rather than hiring n… Read more →
Posted January 04, 2022 • 6 min read
As the time comes for performance reviews, HR leaders are faced with another challenge in the early days of 2024: building an HR plan for their companies. The most successful human resources departments will develop a… Read more →
Posted December 30, 2021 • 6 min read
As another year comes to an end, many of us are asking the same question: how can human resources complete employee performance evaluations and connect them to how the company performed overall? Was there something w… Read more →
Posted December 27, 2021 • 5 min read
In January 2022, Trakstar is excited to reveal a new Key People Indicator (KPI) dashboard tool that allows HR leaders to gain an actionable, impactful understanding of their employees based on up-to-date data. With th… Read more →
Posted December 21, 2021 • 1 min read
At the outset, few of us could have imagined COVID-19’s impact on work as we know it. The rise of remote work is creating a new kind of office culture that prioritizes seamless connectivity over traditional routines. … Read more →
Posted October 12, 2021 • 4 min read
Conducting bias-free performance reviews is something many people struggle to do. Why? People, by their very nature, are prone to making unfair judgments about others. Even the most open-minded, objective thinkers are… Read more →
Posted October 04, 2021 • 6 min read
Understanding the five types of learning styles may change how companies train and manage new employees. The most effective trainers and content creators know the goal toward which you are striving is that your users … Read more →
Posted September 20, 2021 • 5 min read
Using talent pools to hire can help to streamline the hiring process and make things easier when you need to find the right employee in a pinch. Hiring is all about speed - especially when filling a necessary position… Read more →
Posted September 01, 2021 • 9 min read
For many companies, the common performance review process has one major pain point: keeping your managers engaged. Engaged managers complete on-time, well thought-out and constructive reviews for their employees which… Read more →
Posted August 26, 2021 • 1 min read
More than a year into the pandemic, COVID-19 continues to disrupt the workplace. Amid the ever-shifting landscape of policies and protocols, two trends stand out: the rise of remote working and the falling participati… Read more →
Posted August 19, 2021 • 2 min read
New: Save Time with Trakstar Hire’s Zoom Integration It’s a candidate’s market right now in hiring and recruiting and we know that speed matters in attracting and hiring the best. That’s why we’ve set out to trim off… Read more →
Posted June 15, 2021 • 1 min read
We're excited to announce that our performance management software that has been called Trakstar will now be rebranded to Trakstar Perform. This move opens up our branding to incorporate two additional tools, Trakstar… Read more →
Posted June 04, 2021 • 5 min read
At Trakstar, we're committed to creating an inclusive environment for all and get excited every year to share that intentionally during PRIDE month. This year, we asked our teammates and families to respond to a few k… Read more →
Posted March 19, 2021 • 10 min read
Qualitative employee performance reviews are often viewed as an outdated practice. It used to be that an employee would be evaluated on a series of generic competencies that weren’t directly related to their job. Unsu… Read more →
Posted March 01, 2021 • 11 min read
Starting an HR department is a difficult task for anyone. When you're a small, nimble organization, it’s fine to have informal human resources processes. If an employee needs a day off, they can just ask their manager… Read more →
Posted January 04, 2021 • 8 min read
The new year has arrived and HR professionals are busy preparing their organizations and employees for an outstanding 2024 by setting up Human Resources initiatives for 2024. A few months ago, we sent a survey to the … Read more →
Posted December 28, 2020 • 5 min read
As the year comes to an end, HR and training professionals are getting ready to help their employees acquire the skills and knowledge needed to have an outstanding 2021. We recently surveyed the userbase for our Learn… Read more →
Posted December 21, 2020 • 6 min read
As 2020 comes to a close, HR and recruiting professionals are busy preparing their organizations for success in the coming year. We recently surveyed the user base of our Applicant Tracking System (ATS) offering and a… Read more →
Posted December 14, 2020 • 7 min read
There is a common saying in business, “If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.” Really, what this is saying, is that you need to be able to look at things from a quantitative view. Performance reviews are me… Read more →
Posted November 19, 2020 • 9 min read
Inequality in the workplace is well known yet still prevalent. According to Fortune 500 data, nearly three-quarters of business executives in the United States are white men. While getting a great job is hard enough f… Read more →
Posted October 20, 2020 • 8 min read
Modern performance management goes beyond the occasional performance review. Today’s organizations ensure managers and direct reports meet regularly to discuss priorities, challenges, and how the employee can improve … Read more →
Posted September 18, 2020 • 5 min read
Creating a performance review process is straightforward in most organizations. Managers are responsible for completing evaluations and meeting with direct reports to share results. There isn’t any friction as long as… Read more →
Posted August 11, 2020 • 13 min read
Today’s leaders understand that productive employees only take their organizations so far. The employees who are productive and happy go above and beyond. The act of doing their jobs is fulfilling, so they continue to… Read more →
Posted August 05, 2020 • 11 min read
Setting performance goals is essential in growing and developing talent within any organization. When we decide to improve at something or overcome a challenge, setting goals helps us see how we'll make it happen. Hig… Read more →
Posted May 29, 2020 • 6 min read
For a long time, organizations took a simplistic approach to evaluating employee performance. Once a year, managers filled out the same appraisal form for each direct report and the results were used to determine rais… Read more →
Posted April 22, 2020 • 2 min read
Today, we’re excited to announce that Trakstar will have a new and improved look. Our customers will enjoy all the great performance management features they know and love, organized in a modern, simple, and clean int… Read more →
Posted April 03, 2020 • 7 min read
Using stack ranking, every employees’ performance review score is ordered and grouped. The group with the highest scores are deemed top performers. These are the employees who consistently exceed expectations and deli… Read more →
Posted January 21, 2020 • 5 min read
At the heart of every organization’s employee review process is the rating scale. It’s the medium in which managers and other raters express how well an employee performs at their job, conducts themselves in the workp… Read more →
Posted January 06, 2020 • 2 min read
https://www.trakstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/TS-API-_-Jan-2020_blog.mp4 Today, we’re excited to announce a new feature that will help our customers get even more out of our software—the launch of our Ap… Read more →
Posted December 12, 2019 • 4 min read
Think about your favorite people you’ve worked with. Yes, they were good at their jobs but that is probably not why you remember them so fondly. In all likelihood, it was the attitude they brought to work every day th… Read more →
Posted November 26, 2019 • 1 min read
Big news! We’re excited to share that Trakstar has been recognized for being a leader in the employee performance management industry. FinancesOnline has presented us with their Expert's Choice 2019, Great User Experi… Read more →
Posted October 03, 2019 • 4 min read
Employees have more job options than ever and there are an increasing number of individuals who see job hopping as an opportunity for fulfillment and career growth. In this current climate of increased employee turnov… Read more →
Posted September 24, 2019 • 4 min read
There are countless podcasts and articles out there that shed light on the negative feelings that can be associated with the performance review process. Most of us can probably relate to this feeling at some point in … Read more →
Posted September 20, 2019 • 3 min read
So you’ve done it. You’ve spent the past year working closely with your team, giving them feedback and working towards long term goals. You’ve documented that feedback and have specific, concrete examples of what your… Read more →
Posted September 10, 2019 • 3 min read
For many companies, performance reviews can be an afterthought until the process goes live, and many employees may feel forced to write glowing reviews about colleagues they hardly interact with. Because of this, perf… Read more →
Posted August 06, 2019 • 4 min read
It's uncommon but when the performance review process is finished, an employee will sometimes raise concerns with their evaluation results. They may challenge their manager in the review meeting, take their complaint … Read more →
Posted July 08, 2019 • 4 min read
Are you adding culture and values into performance reviews? There is more that goes into job success than carrying out role responsibilities and completing projects. Organizations are successful when employees work we… Read more →
Posted June 24, 2019 • 7 min read
June is Pride Month and organizations around the world are sharing stories about diversity and inclusion. We here at Trakstar felt inspired to share our stories too. We presented our team with a few simple questio… Read more →
Posted May 21, 2019 • 2 min read
We’re excited to share some new updates to our Trakstar Engagement module! The module helps organizations get valuable insights into employee engagement through frequent check-ins, surveys, and polls. We’ve been hard … Read more →
Posted May 15, 2019 • 1 min read
Trakstar Engagement is designed to provide anonymity to survey respondents. Your employees will feel compelled to honestly respond to your engagement surveys if they know their identity is protected. And accurate feed… Read more →
Posted April 29, 2019 • 5 min read
A lot of organizations talk about culture. The CEO raves about it when they stand in front of the staff. HR strives to build an inclusive and open culture. Recruiters try to hire people who fit the culture. But too… Read more →
Posted March 18, 2019 • 9 min read
The following is a guest interview, written and contributed by Janine Nicole Truitt, Chief Innovations Officer for Talent Think Innovations, LLC Succession Planning is an important component of the health of a busi… Read more →
Posted March 06, 2019 • 3 min read
The following is a guest blog post, written and contributed by Tim Sackett, SPHR, SCP It goes against every HR bone in your body, doesn't it!? What do you mean "stop trying to increase employee engagement!?" We hav… Read more →
Posted March 04, 2019 • 4 min read
While employee performance reviews are an important activity for any organization, there can be a negative sentiment among the people who participate in them. It goes without saying the average employee is apprehensiv… Read more →
Posted January 28, 2019 • 4 min read
Your organization finished its latest round of performance reviews. Congratulations! Your employees were likely happy to learn how they’re doing and are now looking forward to getting back to their usual routine. … Read more →
Posted December 28, 2018 • 5 min read
Organizations are successful when the entire staff performs to their full potential. Every employee needs to put their best foot forward each and every day. However, effectively evaluating employee performance is … Read more →
Posted November 19, 2018 • 7 min read
We’ve all heard quiet people say they’re introverted and outgoing people say they’re extroverted. But life experience tells us there are more than two types of people in this world. If you’re familiar with the Myer… Read more →
Posted November 12, 2018 • 7 min read
These days it seems like everyone self-identifies as either an introvert or extrovert. However, introversion and extraversion are simply the two overarching categories for the 16 distinct personality types covered by … Read more →
Posted September 24, 2018 • 6 min read
What is the 360-Degree Performance Appraisal Process? The performance appraisal process is similar to building blocks, you can pick and choose what you would like to include to make up your final product. From c… Read more →
Posted September 24, 2018 • 5 min read
A Dog-Friendly Workplace Trakstar is home to great employees and their dogs. The pets in our office bring joy and companionship and add to our culture. We enjoy their playfulness and the connections we make with the … Read more →
Posted September 24, 2018 • 4 min read
Rater bias is, by definition, an inaccurate distortion of a measurement. Everyone has biases, and we bring our biases to the table when appraising employee performance. Our biases can inflate or deflate an employee'… Read more →
Employee performance is tricky to measure, but one strategy used by millions of domestic and international companies is performance rating. What better way to determine employee abilities than to ask their supervisors… Read more →
Posted September 21, 2018 • 5 min read
If you own a business, you may have many high-level organizational goals. However, many business owners keep these goals to themselves, thinking that their employees either do not care about the goals or should not be… Read more →
Posted September 19, 2018 • 7 min read
You learn a lot about a new employee during their first few months on the job. While the hiring process provided insight into their skills and experience, you can’t truly judge a new hire or give a performance review … Read more →
Posted September 18, 2018 • 8 min read
Most organizations have some sort of performance appraisal system in place to evaluate decisions related to promotions, salary hikes and professional development. To execute that, a set of expectations is established … Read more →
Posted September 17, 2018 • 4 min read
The annual performance appraisal is a staple in many organizations. Human resources is tasked with ensuring managers assess all their team members’ performance and make time to discuss the results with each person. Fo… Read more →
Posted July 23, 2018 • 5 min read
Everyone has stories about people who are difficult to work with or just have a bad attitude. These experiences are often what makes an otherwise good job a dreadful experience. Often times, the saving grace for th… Read more →
Posted June 29, 2018 • 3 min read
Every company strives to grow. It means customers are happy, employees are working hard, and the business is achieving its goals, maybe even faster than anticipated. However, with success comes new hurdles to overc… Read more →
Posted May 29, 2018 • 5 min read
Employees are the most important asset a company has. They do all the little things that add up to make a business successful. And because employees do so much for the company, it’s important the company does what … Read more →
Posted April 19, 2018 • 5 min read
Every professional has aspirations to grow their career. They hope hard work will pay off and result in a promotion that comes with more responsibility and higher compensation. Unfortunately, few organizations actu… Read more →
Posted March 09, 2018 • 4 min read
Morale and productivity go hand in hand. People do their best work when they enjoy what they do for a living. Fair compensation and a positive work environment are naturally the main requirements for maintaining a… Read more →
Posted August 03, 2017 • 10 min read
Effective performance management relies on accurate information from performance reviews. Rater bias undercuts this effort by calling into question the accuracy of these ratings. No one is immune to rater bias, so eve… Read more →
Posted July 25, 2017 • 2 min read
If done right, succession planning is a great way to prepare your workforce and your organization for success in the future. Succession planning is the practice of identifying high-potential employees who will do well… Read more →
Posted July 20, 2017 • 3 min read
In two separate studies, Willis Towers Watson found that 45% of employers found that their own performance management systems were ineffective and Deloitte reported that 58% of HR executives felt that performance revi… Read more →
Posted July 18, 2017 • 5 min read
Employment related decisions have always been challenging. There is so much about management that can seem subjective, and it is difficult to keep track of everything to get a clear picture of what is really going on.… Read more →
Posted July 13, 2017 • 3 min read
Say the word "performance appraisal" and you will likely register a nearly audible groan in your managers. The truth is, the idea of capturing a person's performance in a basic appraisal form is an exercise in futilit… Read more →
Posted July 11, 2017 • 4 min read
The dawn of the 21st century saw a new employee performance evaluation process begin to take hold in organizations across the country. What was once a commonly accepted practice, anniversary date appraisals are being … Read more →
Posted March 14, 2017 • 3 min read
Many employees and managers alike are not huge fans of the performance appraisal, which can defeat the purpose of giving one. Dissatisfaction with, and perceived unfairness about, the performance appraisal process can… Read more →
Posted January 19, 2017 • 4 min read
As more and more organizations choose Trakstar, we see an increasing variety in how organizations provide their users access to important applications. Recently, we’ve made major improvements in how users can sign in … Read more →
Posted January 12, 2017 • 3 min read
If you were to take a quick look at all of the leadership and workforce articles you’ve read in 2016, there’s a good chance a large portion of them focus on how to give employee feedback. The general consensus is that… Read more →
Posted January 10, 2017 • 3 min read
Any seasoned manager knows that engaging employees and helping them pursue career development are vital to company growth; Particularly, career development improves morale, career satisfaction, motivation, and product… Read more →
Posted January 05, 2017 • 3 min read
Achieving alignment between your performance management software and your company’s goals doesn’t happen with a few minor tweaks. It takes a full top-to-bottom transformation. Employees need to be working toward somet… Read more →
Posted December 29, 2016 • 4 min read
The moral of 2016’s story is that feedback is an employee’s earth, moon and sun. From positive to constructive, and everything in between, employees want a constant view of their work from the perspective of managemen… Read more →
Posted December 22, 2016 • 3 min read
As a manager or leader, one of the most difficult parts of your job can be giving feedback to subordinates. Only 29% of people in a recent Leadership IQ survey said they ‘Always’ know whether their performance is wher… Read more →
Posted December 20, 2016 • 4 min read
Retaining and engaging employees will always be important to business success, which means a continuous search for the answers on how to combat high turnover rates. At the heart of this search is conversation. Not the… Read more →
Posted December 15, 2016 • 4 min read
The most effective managers are those that understand the different needs and communication styles of their workforce. The tactics they use to inspire and correct performance have to be adaptable to the employee they’… Read more →
Posted December 08, 2016 • 3 min read
If there is one thing employees want, it’s growth. Whether it be growth in their positions, or growth in their careers, having opportunities to evolve in a company are important. Keeping employees continually evolving… Read more →
Posted December 06, 2016 • 3 min read
Employee feedback is hard to get right, especially without any guidance. However, it’s vital that your employee feedback is curated, and delivered, just right; A CareerBuilder survey found that 50% of employees belie… Read more →
Posted December 01, 2016 • 4 min read
“Leadership is less about who a leader is and more about the value a leader creates for someone else.” -Dave Ulrich (@dave_ulrich) The person who sits at the helm of your organization greatly affects how the co… Read more →
Posted November 29, 2016 • 3 min read
Technology has come a long way, especially in the last few years. We are now at the point where it has become a simple task to manage and monitor the performance of employees with an online performance management proc… Read more →
Posted November 22, 2016 • 2 min read
Using 360 degree feedback to get a better understanding of an employee’s performance can be a great way to build a more comprehensive performance evaluation, but it can also lead to problems if you don’t take care whe… Read more →
Posted November 17, 2016 • 3 min read
When implementing any system, especially a performance review system at your organization, it is important to solicit, collect, and consider feedback from both stakeholders and end users. In order for a positive adopt… Read more →
Posted November 15, 2016 • 2 min read
Last month, I was having a conversation with an HR Director who was brand new to her role in a company that she had experienced both love and loss with. She told me a story of when she first started with the company, … Read more →
Posted November 10, 2016 • 1 min read
The process of choosing competencies can help identify performance areas that support organizational success. Core competencies within your online performance review software are instrumental tools that are needed t… Read more →
Posted November 08, 2016 • 3 min read
It may sound harsh, but managing employee performance is about creating a supportive workplace where employees feel safe, productive and engaged, not making best friends. Most days will be spent getting work done alon… Read more →
Posted November 03, 2016 • 3 min read
Most existing performance management systems are stuck in the past - quite literally. They focus on what an employee has done over the last 6, or even 12, months. This doesn’t sound pleasant, especially when trying to… Read more →
Posted October 31, 2016 • 3 min read
Employers across the country are reacting to the Department of Labor’s (DOL) overtime rule changes that are set to take effect on December 1st, 2016. For anyone unfamiliar with the overtime rule changes, under the … Read more →
Posted October 27, 2016 • 5 min read
A performance management program that incorporates 360-degree performance reviews, and frequent feedback, benefits productivity and gives directions needed for employee success. PwC found that 72% of employees under 3… Read more →
Posted October 25, 2016 • 3 min read
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could peek into a crystal ball and see your company’s employment future? We can’t tell you who will apply tomorrow or predict the next superstar, but we can give you the tools needed to… Read more →
Posted October 20, 2016 • 5 min read
Employee engagement is everything; Disengaged employees are the difference between an amazing team and a failing team, a productive team and a useless team. The problem is, actual employee engagement is elusive. … Read more →
Posted October 18, 2016 • 3 min read
The process of building and maintaining a performance management system for your employees isn’t the easiest thing your company will ever do, but It may be one of the most beneficial. Speaking of all the benefits a gr… Read more →
Posted October 13, 2016 • 5 min read
In the business world, goals are everywhere. Any given businesses may have sales goals, client goals, culture goals, and maybe even overall business goals. As a manager, you delegate tasks to your employees, but when … Read more →
Posted October 11, 2016 • 3 min read
Human Resource Departments tend to become frustrated with the lack of results from their performance reviews. Around 70% of companies are now reconsidering their performance management strategy. Are you? Compa… Read more →
Posted October 06, 2016 • 2 min read
We live in a time of an ever-evolving workplace where change is seemingly constant. Amid the tumultuous environment it can often be difficult for organizations to figure out what is working well and who the top perfor… Read more →
Posted October 04, 2016 • 7 min read
Writer’s block always strikes at the worst possible moment, doesn’t it? When your performance review system calls for you to leave notes or comments on your employees, you can bet it will make an appearance. No matter… Read more →
Posted September 27, 2016 • 4 min read
Using 360-degree reviews in your performance management plan can add many benefits to your workforce, one being well-rounded feedback for employees and managers. Implementing a review based system is more important th… Read more →
Posted September 22, 2016 • 3 min read
Performance reviews catch a lot of criticism from both employees and management. The process of delivering a performance appraisal often focuses on a list of what each employee did, or didn’t, do, which can become qui… Read more →
Posted September 20, 2016 • 5 min read
Performance reviews are an integral part of the employee-employer relationship. These reviews give us insight on how employees are working and what they are doing to help grow and expand the company as a whole. Why C… Read more →
Posted September 15, 2016 • 4 min read
We can all agree that being successful in our career, and moreover our life, is something that we strive towards each and every day. Whether you use performance evaluation software or not, one incredibly effective way… Read more →
Posted September 13, 2016 • 3 min read
Whether technological, societal, or even fashion related, it’s easy to spot trends that affect us all. What is less easy to see are trends that happen in our professional life. Performance management, like any discipl… Read more →
Posted September 08, 2016 • 4 min read
We often get asked here at Trakstar about best practices around various aspects of appraisals and performance management. While each organization has their own culture, goals and processes to contend with we want to p… Read more →
Posted September 06, 2016 • 3 min read
The workforce is doing what the workforce does best: adapting and evolving. Today’s employees are on the move, and while that provides more innovation and culture, the mobility change can put a great deal of pressure … Read more →
Posted September 01, 2016 • 3 min read
The five-point Rating scale, we see it everywhere. From restaurant ratings, to movie ratings, and even the employee (or manager) performance review, a five-point scale is becoming the norm when talking about how succe… Read more →
Posted August 30, 2016 • 4 min read
Often we discuss the ways you, as a manager, can help build performance management strategies for your team; we like to cover the little techniques that make a good strategy become a solid one. As a leader, you spend … Read more →
Posted August 25, 2016 • 3 min read
From a corporate perspective, it is important to have your employees understand how their day-to-day tasks ultimately affect the overall company, and its overhanging goals. One of the best ways to share these corporat… Read more →
Posted August 23, 2016 • 3 min read
Delivering negative feedback isn’t the most enjoyable part of managing a team. In fact, a study determined that 43% of leaders feel giving corrective feedback is a “stressful and difficult experience.” Like it or not,… Read more →
Posted August 18, 2016 • 3 min read
Do as I say and not as I do. This idiom is repeated time and time again from parents to children and management to employees, specifically with employee evaluation systems. While we are all aware of the underlying … Read more →
Posted August 16, 2016 • 3 min read
There is merit to performance management strategies that include 360-degree reviews. It eliminates a great deal of the bias that managers can’t help, but have sometimes anyways, as well as gives employees a clearer pi… Read more →
Posted August 11, 2016 • 6 min read
You can be the greatest, most experienced leader and still suffer from bias. In fact, everyone does to some extent. Despite our best efforts, our thoughts and opinions are influenced by factors we’re not aware of. … Read more →
Posted August 09, 2016 • 3 min read
Performance reviews have long been viewed as a checkpoint in one’s employment. We’ve said it before, but the performance appraisal is a management tool for success, and the process lives among employees, which means t… Read more →
Posted August 04, 2016 • 3 min read
When it comes to setting goals, often we are hung up on the numerical progress. Think: increase customer sign ups by 10%. Though that train of thought is important to the success of a goal list, Employees are motivate… Read more →
Posted August 02, 2016 • 3 min read
Using a 360 degree feedback system has many benefits to your team and organization. 41% of companies who use peer-to-peer recognition have seen positive increases in customer satisfaction. Despite these benefits, many… Read more →
Posted July 28, 2016 • 3 min read
Employee performance goals that are well-written and to the point can sometimes be the difference between a team that continuously reaches its goals and one that comes up short time after time. Writing performance … Read more →
Posted July 26, 2016 • 3 min read
Being a good leader is no easy task. In fact, only 27% of Millennial men and 21% of Millennial women believe they have strong leadership abilities. These statistics probably leave any executive a little uneasy, as som… Read more →
Posted July 21, 2016 • 3 min read
Companies are always looking for ways to identify employees who have the potential to become skilled leaders within their organizations. These high potential individuals, or HiPos, play key roles within the organizati… Read more →
Posted July 19, 2016 • 2 min read
When it comes to the performance review, are you always 100% focused on the task at hand in order to achieve a meaningful outcome for both you and the employee? Only 8% of companies report that their performance manag… Read more →
Posted July 12, 2016 • 3 min read
When we hear 360 degree feedback, generally we think of peer to peer assessments and while they are an important part of the process, a successful 360 degree process will bring together the customer or client perspect… Read more →
Posted July 05, 2016 • 3 min read
Engaging employees is a widely discussed business strategy and considering how much better an engaged workforce performs, there’s really no question as to why. Engagement is more than just a happy or productive team. … Read more →
Posted June 21, 2016 • 4 min read
Four in 10 employees believe they will need to leave their current organization to see any career advancement. How many employees do you have on your team, in your department, in the company as a whole? No matter you… Read more →
Posted June 16, 2016 • 3 min read
Performance management is not just about the numbers or performance appraisals. We like to think that adopting the newest techniques in employee management will equate to the best team. While you should explore trends… Read more →
Posted June 14, 2016 • 3 min read
Did you know 70% of employees who gave their managers high ratings also rated their performance management system as “very good”? We can’t say that all good managers have good tools, nor can we say effective tools … Read more →
Posted June 07, 2016 • 5 min read
For many managers, whether they’re new to the game or a seasoned veteran, performance management is no easy feat. 96% of businesses that responded to a recent survey said performance management is important to their o… Read more →
Posted June 02, 2016 • 3 min read
Meetings have a bad reputation in the workforce. In the US alone, there are 11 million formal business meetings each day and it wastes an estimated $37 billion. Of course, the meeting will never go away especially as … Read more →
Posted May 31, 2016 • 2 min read
Representing leaders and managers in your performance management software can be a tedious task, especially if you are in the beginning stages of identifying the qualities of each. You’re probably thinking, “Hmm, well… Read more →
Posted May 26, 2016 • 3 min read
The annual performance appraisal is pretty underappreciated these days, or at least, 98% of 2,677 HR managers, CEOs and other employees feel they are unnecessary. There are many contributing factors, but most often we… Read more →
Posted May 24, 2016 • 2 min read
In 1943, humanist psychologist Abraham Maslow first published his “Hierarchy of Needs” theory as a model for how individuals within a society reach their full potential. The theory emphasizes an idea that all people h… Read more →
Posted May 19, 2016 • 4 min read
At the center of all business achievements is one small technique that has a massive effect on everything: goal setting. Setting performance management goals is not only an art, it’s a necessity. Luckily, it is comple… Read more →
Posted May 17, 2016 • 5 min read
Recently we launched the new interface of Trakstar and we can’t help but admit how exciting it is to update our look. Though a design reinvention includes modernization of aesthetics, what our update really means is w… Read more →
Posted May 12, 2016 • 3 min read
Last year Millennials rose to make up the largest population of the workforce causing quite the stir. Other generations were quick to reprimand Millennials for being “entitled” or “needy”, but as the bashing becomes t… Read more →
Posted May 05, 2016 • 4 min read
We’ve all heard the numbers around what an engaged employee means for your profits or how detrimental an actively disengaged employee will be to your entire team. However, here are seven things we think you should kno… Read more →
Posted May 03, 2016 • 4 min read
Creating a collaborative environment for your employee performance appraisal process can make the experience more meaningful and ensure you’re touching on what the employee finds important. Ask these 7 questions befor… Read more →
Posted April 28, 2016 • 2 min read
The past few months our team has been heads down redesigning the new look of Trakstar, and on Saturday, April 30, our new look will be live! Some highlights of the new user interface include streamlined typefaces and … Read more →
Posted April 26, 2016 • 3 min read
Anticipating the unknown is a stressful job. Are we hiring the right people? Are we providing them the right resources and environment to succeed? Questions like these could really use a crystal ball but since that’s … Read more →
Posted April 21, 2016 • 1 min read
If you were to ask a manager about the type of performance they worry about how to handle most, many would say performance that falls below average. Many companies have a process in place in their performance review a… Read more →
Posted April 19, 2016 • 3 min read
80% of employees say they’re stressed at work. While this may not come as a surprise to you, it is also not something we should ignore. Stress can lead to dissatisfaction, which whether or not an employer is at fault … Read more →
Posted April 14, 2016 • 3 min read
Ah, the peer review. Some leaders swear by it while others fear or loathe the idea of its implementation. A few weeks ago we addressed the struggles of employee peer review practices and how those issues can be resolv… Read more →
Posted April 12, 2016 • 4 min read
Managing people is difficult. Between learning personalities, pushing deadlines and hitting company goals, leaders feel pressure to ensure none of the hypothetical balls drop. Meanwhile, there are the technical respon… Read more →
Posted April 07, 2016 • 4 min read
Giving performance feedback is sometimes a dreaded job. While improvements need to be made in employee performance, it can be a challenge to get feedback across in a way that is digestible and actionable. Every manage… Read more →
Posted April 05, 2016 • 3 min read
Recognize this slogan from your favorite radio station? Well, it holds true in performance management too. Performance management is a relatively new function of business. Many of today’s most common performance appra… Read more →
Posted March 31, 2016 • 3 min read
Efficiency is something we hear a lot about when helping organizations take their employee reviews online. Our goal is to get the most information collected through a streamlined and electronic process. One thing w… Read more →
Posted March 29, 2016 • 4 min read
Does the idea of “change” give you chills or leave you excited? How about "high performing organization"? That probably has a positive connotation. However you might feel about change, businesses are finding that in o… Read more →
Posted March 24, 2016 • 5 min read
The idea of a 360-degree view is wonderful when it comes to the Grand Canyon, but many people are less fond of an overall view when it comes to employee performance reviews. The benefits of having a complete look at e… Read more →
Posted March 22, 2016 • 7 min read
Any new management position comes with an onslaught of responsibility, and while it helps to have experience in management, it still doesn’t guarantee the transition will go smoothly. First-time managers have to build… Read more →
Posted March 17, 2016 • 3 min read
Last time we discussed manager-driven performance appraisal methods and what some of the more commonly used ways are to track and rate employee performance. Now, we are diving into peer and employee-driven methods bec… Read more →
Posted March 15, 2016 • 3 min read
Managing employee performance is a delicate process. Weeding out inefficiency and determining where a company’s strengths lie isn’t just a hop, skip and jump away. Every company is different and within every company a… Read more →
Posted March 10, 2016 • 4 min read
Giving feedback to employees can be a rewarding experience. As a manager, you are directly involved with career development that is, in some cases, life-changing. Performance conversations give managers the opportunit… Read more →
Posted March 08, 2016 • 3 min read
You’re looking for a new job. You decide to apply online to a company you're interested in. But, you don’t have any connections at the company, and you want your resume to stand out. Can you get the attention of the… Read more →
Posted March 03, 2016 • 3 min read
Looking for a new employee evaluation software can be a time-consuming, trying process. You want your software to be simple, flexible, and powerful. There are tons of online performance review software systems, so be … Read more →
Posted February 25, 2016 • 1 min read
The concept of 360 feedback in a work environment is hotly debated. Its value is questioned, the “hows” and the “whys” are often contentious. But as Bill Gates said at his 2013 Ted talk: “We all need people who will … Read more →
Posted February 18, 2016 • 1 min read
In order to be useful, performance feedback should be an ongoing habit and documented in an online employee assessment tool. It should be provided on a constant, year-round basis — not only during the annual performan… Read more →
Posted February 11, 2016 • 3 min read
We are all familiar with the classic model of training: you get a new job, you go through an on-boarding process, you move into your permanent role, and your performance eventually starts to slip as you get bored or b… Read more →
Posted February 04, 2016 • 1 min read
A few weeks ago, we discussed the importance of succession planning at an organization and outlined one way to go about it: the 9-box grid. This week, let’s take a closer look into how you can create a performance rev… Read more →
Posted January 28, 2016 • 3 min read
Most managers like to think they are fair as possible when completing employee performance reviews. Many even spend hours poring over every score on every competency. But despite the attention to detail, it’s common f… Read more →
Posted January 21, 2016 • 7 min read
We love bringing new people on board at Trakstar. But, like you, we worry. Will we choose the right person? Will he/she fit in with the team? Hiring for cultural fit is a really big deal at Trakstar. I might even s… Read more →
Posted January 14, 2016 • 3 min read
Why Questions Work For employees and managers, an upcoming performance appraisal can be seen as a nerve-wracking task on the horizon. These reviews can have a profound effect on company culture. So why not put yourse… Read more →
Posted January 07, 2016 • 2 min read
Is your organization making full use of Reject Approvals? They can serve a pivotal role in the performance appraisal process. A route for approval is a standard step in many performance review systems. It allows an… Read more →
Posted December 18, 2015 • 1 min read
This December, the Trakstar team got to explore Theo Chocolate, a local chocolate company here in Seattle. We had an awesome afternoon of team bonding, chocolate trivia and, of course, plenty of tastings! A big thank … Read more →
Posted December 10, 2015 • 4 min read
Say it isn’t so: Red flags with your new employee, within the first three to six months. Maybe you did everything right — you interviewed, you checked references, your team was involved, and still, it’s not working. … Read more →
Posted December 03, 2015 • 2 min read
We get asked a lot about what the difference is between investing in a performance management system and just conducting performance appraisals. But really what's the difference and why care? Performance appraisals ar… Read more →
Posted November 24, 2015 • 3 min read
When it come to electronic performance appraisals you may have seen the options to include a peer review, upward review, 360 review or Multi Rater. Here's our take on what each means and why you may use them. What’s … Read more →
Posted November 19, 2015 • 2 min read
First, you might be asking what an appraisal set is. An "appraisal set" provides rules for the employee performance review with a specific manager, form and schedule. There are various reasons as to why you ma… Read more →
Posted November 13, 2015 • 3 min read
There are often assertions that happier employees are more productive, but until recently it’s been largely speculation driving that claim. The Social Market Foundation, in conjunction with the University of Warwick’s… Read more →
Posted November 05, 2015 • 6 min read
Time has a funny way of continuing on whether we like it or not. One day your organization is operating at full speed, and the next a key member of your team shares the news they’re leaving. You can do everything in y… Read more →
Posted October 29, 2015 • 2 min read
We’ve all been there: Your instinct is to speak up but instead you pause, maybe there’s an uncomfortable shift and you bite your tongue. Many employees might never think to openly disagree with their boss, but… Read more →
Posted October 15, 2015 • 3 min read
In the business of performance management, we strive for accuracy above all. Call out performance for being what it is – the end goal is an accurate picture of where an employee, team or department is at. But what is … Read more →
Posted October 08, 2015 • 3 min read
Use your words. It’s very likely that many of us have heard or used this phrase at some point in our lives. For me, it brings up memories of my childhood. My parents would often use this in an attempt to help me descr… Read more →
Posted September 17, 2015 • 6 min read
You’re a manager’s manager (or HR) and you have been asked to approve a performance appraisal before it goes back to the employee. You’re wondering, “What should I look for?” 1. Low scores. On a five point scale, an… Read more →
Posted September 03, 2015 • 2 min read
We at Trakstar are completely devoted to performance appraisals, so when we’re having our morning coffee and NPR has a news segment about peer reviews and the appraisal process, we turn it up. This particular piece f… Read more →
Posted August 27, 2015 • 3 min read
It can be a challenge to get an organization to accomplish anything on time - including performance appraisals. If your organization is guilty of one or more of the things on this list, consider changing the game. … Read more →
Posted August 20, 2015 • 3 min read
Whether you are new to completing online employee appraisals or they are a staple of your human resources program - a new perspective is always helpful. We think our administrators are our greatest resources when it … Read more →
Posted August 14, 2015 • 2 min read
We hear a lot about Core Values here at Trakstar and it’s something we spend a lot of time thinking and talking about. One of our favorite parts of helping companies is learning about their Core Values (or lack there … Read more →
Posted August 06, 2015 • 3 min read
An interesting perspective on self-appraisals recently came to our attention at Trakstar. A customer wondered, “Some employees are more comfortable with self-promotion and give themselves higher scores on a self-appr… Read more →
Posted July 30, 2015 • 4 min read
“Time for employee reviews!” We know that phrase can elicit all sorts of reactions like excitement, dread, and possibly a small amount of sweating. If you’re a manager, here are 9 quick things to keep in mind … Read more →
Posted July 23, 2015 • 2 min read
Okay so we’re not located globally (yet), but we are spread across three time zones in the US. So, how do we all stay on the same page and remain such a tight-knit team with that much variation? Keep reading to find o… Read more →
Posted July 16, 2015 • 2 min read
So you’ve completed the implementation of a new software tool and you’re excited to get started, but how to do you make sure that all of your hard work isn’t lost? Adoption of new software can be tough on an organi… Read more →
Posted June 19, 2015 • 3 min read
Customer: “We love your software. We’d like to change the button that says Appraisal to the word, ‘Review.’ It’s a must-have for our culture.” Employee reviews, check-ins, evaluations, appraisals…there are many varia… Read more →
Posted February 04, 2015 • 5 min read
It's okay, Seattle. It happens to the best of us. When I was in the 7th grade, my mom asked me to make a banana cream pie. No big deal. A store-bought crust, some pudding and Cool Whip. The pie was nearly finished w… Read more →
Posted February 02, 2015 • 4 min read
When I was single, I thought my dog was like a child. When we had our first child, I thought that books on parenting made me an expert. When I ran my first race, I thought things would go according to the training pla… Read more →
Posted January 30, 2015 • 1 min read
It’s Superbowl Sunday this week, and maybe you know this…but Trakstar headquarters is on Capitol Hill in Seattle. The office is a *little* excited right now. We took a survey about the big game and here are some of o… Read more →
Posted January 21, 2015 • 3 min read
Have you had a really big goal? One your manager gave to you, like “Become an expert at social media” or something similarly vast? I had a really big goal. In fact, it is to become (using tip #9 and adjusting the goa… Read more →
Posted December 22, 2014 • 2 min read
There was a holiday season before Disney’s Frozen. There were other songs. Christmas carols, even! I can't remember that time. Yesterday we went to hear a choir sing for the holidays - with one child dressed in an Els… Read more →
Posted December 17, 2014 • 3 min read
Today I had a discussion with John Frye of UWT Logistics. Great story about positive performance appraisal success, the 3rd in a series. UWT Logistics is a world leader in supply chain services. They help manufacturer… Read more →
Posted December 10, 2014 • 3 min read
Now that your appraisals are online, things flow all by themselves, right? Wrong! Keep Performance Appraisals on Track: A Plan Yes. Even when your system is online and automatic reminders are sent, the process sti… Read more →
Posted December 05, 2014 • 1 min read
What fun, a holiday office poll revealed some things about the the Trakstar team and our holiday favorites! Here's what we asked and the answers: Will you celebrate something in December? 90% - Christmas 0… Read more →
Posted December 02, 2014 • 3 min read
Wondering how to make staff and employee appraisal forms? After seeing hundreds of appraisal forms from hundreds of customers, we’re boldly declaring there are 4 elements that make up the very best ones. The best s… Read more →
Posted November 24, 2014 • 2 min read
Done a self-appraisal lately? Did you have to dig in your mental archives to list your accomplishments and projects? I know I did. Need some tips for writing a good self-appraisal? This manager was so lucky. I rec… Read more →
Posted November 21, 2014 • 3 min read
A Positive Online Performance Appraisal Story This is the 2nd story in a series about positive online performance appraisals. We’re interviewing customers who do appraisals consistently and successfully. Then, we'll … Read more →
Posted November 21, 2014 • 2 min read
I’m embarking on a series of interviews to uncover stories about positive online performance appraisals and the stories behind the success. This is the first story! About a month ago, I interviewed a large customer t… Read more →
Posted November 13, 2014 • 16 min read
Performance appraisals are essential for measuring employee productivity and identifying areas for improvement. One crucial aspect of these evaluations is assessing competencies - the skills, knowledge, and behaviors … Read more →
Posted November 11, 2014 • 2 min read
Performance Feedback: A Missed Opportunity I should have provided more feedback during the year. I can barely remember what I had for breakfast. I wish I could remember all the good things Joe has done this year. I… Read more →
Posted November 06, 2014 • 2 min read
Trying to decide if you should conduct Date-of-Hire (DOH) appraisals or focal point performance appraisals (everyone at the same time)? We randomly sampled 100 customers and found 81 did Focal Point appraisals, and 1… Read more →
Posted November 04, 2014 • 2 min read
Quick story of a chicken. Have you ever had to give difficult feedback or ask a difficult question and chickened out in the end? You're not alone! I was listening to the This American Life podcast this weekend, a r… Read more →
Posted October 30, 2014 • 2 min read
Visualizing the Customer Experience Visualizing complexity is hard. Where do you start if you have a story with lots of twists and turns? How do you draw a picture of a complex process? We’re lucky and excited to ha… Read more →
Posted October 27, 2014 • 1 min read
Is the performance appraisal process broken at your organization? Here are some signs: Managers do not complete the performance appraisal process without prodding Appraisals are partially done and neve… Read more →
Posted April 17, 2014 • 2 min read
Ever notice that just as soon as you write a job description, things change? We’ve noticed that, too. How about using your Appraisal process to help keep things up to date? It’s a great way to get direct feed… Read more →
Posted April 04, 2014 • 1 min read
According to SHRM, the most serious employee complaint about performance appraisals is not how the appraisal is conducted, but rather a.) was the review promised and never done? b.) is the review delinquent? Here a… Read more →
Posted March 25, 2014 • 2 min read
A customer recently observed that in their organization, US-based managers rated employees higher (high rater bias) than counterpart managers in another location…let’s say, Asia. What does this mean and what c… Read more →
Posted February 25, 2014 • 2 min read
Should you take the time to write good job descriptions for your organization? Yes! I worked for a large technical fruit company for 10 years. It wasn’t until my last week that I saw my actual job description! (Let… Read more →
Posted February 04, 2014 • 2 min read
Recently I was asked how to effectively teach feedback strategies managers can use in order to give good feedback—feedback that will be well-received and encourage growth and innovation. Have you heard of a strate… Read more →
Posted January 15, 2014 • 1 min read
1. Share your core values. Again. Post them. Talk about them. Write an email reminding employees what your organization stands for. Consider highlighting a short story about an employee that exemplified the values in… Read more →
It’s a new year and it’s time to set goals. We’ve all heard about S.M.A.R.T. goals and it’s a great time for a quick refresh! When setting goals, make them SMART and ask yourself these questions: Specific: What … Read more →
Posted December 17, 2013 • 1 min read
Need to send an email on a specific date to all Trakstar users? Now you can! We call this feature "Fixed Date Notifications." - Send a reminder about internal processes on January 15th. - Share training dates w… Read more →
Posted November 15, 2013 • 5 min read
An HR Director recently told a story about how multi-rater feedback had been used in her previous organization. “A manager would ask a whole bunch of people to provide input on other employees. Employees got way too… Read more →
Posted October 24, 2013 • 3 min read
For many organizations, the end of the year means Performance Appraisal time! Employee appraisals are scored, meetings are held and new goals are set for the coming year. If it’s that time of year for your organiza… Read more →
Posted September 19, 2013 • 1 min read
Rater Fatigue. It's real. It's what happens when a rater gets tired of rating an Appraisal, and may hurriedly rate elements on an Appraisal form. Rater Fatigue can affect an individual's Appraisal score, by providi… Read more →
Looking for a way to get good feedback from your Appraisals? Ask good questions. Here are some of the questions we've seen and liked: What would you like your next position to be? How do you think you can best wo… Read more →
Our customers often ask, should performance Appraisals include competencies in the form? Or, should an appraisal contain only individualized goals, or reflective questions. Let's make the case for using competencie… Read more →
Posted July 19, 2013 • 0 min read
Twice a month on Fridays, our Seattle office holds "Fancy Fridays", a day on which all employees make an effort to pull out the ironing board and wear something not purchased from REI. This looks like success! Read more →
Posted May 23, 2013 • 0 min read
Managers can take only notes on their subordinates Managers can take notes on all employees (NEW) Employees can take notes on all other employees Read Support Article Read more →
It's now easier for your managers and employees to adjust weights on elements within a section or on the section itself in Trakstar. Here's a link to the support article. It's important to note that only section… Read more →
Posted May 10, 2013 • 1 min read
Do you have questions on your Appraisal forms? Maybe something like... What are your Professional Development plans for the coming year? What would help improve your current productivity? If so, you may want … Read more →
Posted April 30, 2013 • 1 min read
If you'd like to know the status of Appraisals in the scoring mode in your organization, use the Appraisals tab in Trakstar! Here's a link to the video: http://www.trakstar.com/appraisal-status/ When in the A… Read more →
Posted April 19, 2013 • 2 min read
3 Strategies That High-Performing Companies Always Follow Any HR professional can tell you that, in the end, company success comes down to who you hire and how well they perform. But, with so much advice out there,… Read more →
Posted April 12, 2013 • 0 min read
Our fantastic developers added something special to help our customers, a visual org chart. Use it to make sure your hierarchy is correct and to visualize the routing process. You may have great ways to use it we hav… Read more →
Trakstar Admins can edit dates, managers and positions on actual Appraisal documents. New features include "ad hoc" appraisals and two Appraisal sets. Read more →
We've added new people and had to expand the office. But before the walls came down, we took some time to express ourselves artistically and draw some portraits. Read more →
Posted September 14, 2012 • 1 min read
Today I want to talk about the dreaded term Rater Bias (cue scary ghost sounds). So what is "Rater Bias"? And what's this "real world" you speak of? Rater Bias is a reflection of what it means to be human. Som… Read more →
