Introduction

We know performance reviews can feel like a bureaucratic chore, one more item on your already overflowing to-do list. But with the right internal comms, you can turn them into a genuine driver of growth, engagement, and trust.

Explain the “Why” from Day One

• Set the scene: Launch a short video or all-staff note from your CHRO or CEO explaining the purpose of your revamped review process.

• Connect to mission: Show how honest feedback helps teams deliver on business goals and builds careers.

• Anticipate questions: Share an FAQ that covers timing, format, and scoring so managers aren’t caught off guard.

Map Out Manager-Centered Communications

• Manager toolkit: Send a one-pager with talking points, sample questions, and calibration guidelines.

• Peer learning: Host a 30-minute “office hours” session where managers can ask your HR team about tricky scenarios.

• Ongoing prompts: Automate friendly email nudges, for example, “Two weeks until review kickoff: have you booked time with your direct reports?”

Prepare Employees with Empathy

• Pre-review pulse: Run a quick anonymous survey to understand what people hope to get out of the process.

• Guidance materials: Create a short “How to get ready” guide, with tips on structuring self-assessments and setting career goals.

• Encourage dialogue: Invite employees to schedule prep chats with their managers if they’re unsure what to cover.

Keep Momentum After Reviews

• Share success stories: Highlight a team or individual who used feedback to achieve a goal, in your internal newsletter.

• Action-planning reminder: One month later, send a simple template and a reminder to revisit the goals set in the review.

• Measure impact: Close the loop by sharing high-level stats, participation rates, goal completion, to show the programme’s value.

Conclusion

With a structured, empathetic comms plan, performance reviews stop being a checkbox and become a catalyst for real development. You’ll boost manager confidence, help employees see review as a growth opportunity, and drive business results, all without reinventing the wheel.