Staff appraisals key to retaining top agents, says trade body

A lettings sector trade body says implementing well thought-out appraisals is a key element to attracting and retaining valued personnel.

The UK Association of Letting Agents says young people starting work today expect regular appraisals and at exit interviews often cite poor and infrequent appraisals as a main reason for leaving, contributing to their feeling there was lack of support and direction.

The association says the best examples of staff appraisals take the form of regular structured feedback meetings, usually conducted by an immediate line manager or team leader, with the opportunity being as much one for the employee as the employer. 

It urges lettings agencies to create their own structured agendas including rating how well any set objectives have been met, highlighting recent achievements, assessing what can be improved by the employee, and whether there has been progress on goals since the previous appraisal. 

It also urges agencies to set professional goals using the S.M.A.R.T method - S for Specific; M for Measurable; A for Attainable; R for Relevant; and T – Time-bound (or, in plainer language, When?)

UKALA’s detailed suggestions also include possible point systems and alternative ways of structuring performance reviews.

It concludes: “Carrying out staff appraisals is a key part of supporting the team and also provides ongoing structure and regular touch points for new employees to support their integration. Additionally regular reviews for the whole team maintains enthusiasm, identifies specific items requiring discussion and breaks down barriers. Two way feedback is important and will lead to improvement and inclusivity. People are a key resource in the letting industry and need to be nurtured to get the best from them.”

You can see the whole piece here.