Performance Review Format•Template – Free Download

▪︎ What to Include in a Performance Review Template

​A performance review template should do more than record scores — it should capture how an employee works and where they need to grow.

​

1. Employee Information

Start with the basics. Every review should clearly identify who is being reviewed and what period it covers.

• Employee name
• Employee ID
• Job title and responsibilities
• Department or work location
• Reviewing manager
• Review period

​

2. Performance Review Categories

Set clear criteria that reflect the actual role, and document results for each category.

Examples:

• Quality of work
• Productivity
• Collaboration
• Customer service
• Accountability
• Goal achievement

​Tailor categories to the role. Frontline staff might be assessed on customer interactions and operational accuracy. Managers are better evaluated on team leadership and hitting targets.

​

3. Goal Progress and Areas for Improvement

​Review what was set in the last cycle and document where things stand now.​

• Whether prior goals were met
• Key accomplishments
• Areas that need improvement
• Goals for the next review period

​Tracking goals turns the review into a forward-looking conversation — not just a scorecard.

​

4. Manager Comments and Employee Input

​A performance review works best as a two-way conversation, not a one-sided assessment.

​Managers should ground their comments in specific behaviors and outcomes. Employees should also have a dedicated space to share their perspective and flag their own goals.

​

▪︎ 2 Things to Check Before Writing a Performance Review

1. Use Records, Not Memory

​Basing a review on recent impressions — rather than the full review period — leads to inconsistent assessments.

​Refer to work logs, goal tracking data, and operational metrics wherever possible. Concrete evidence makes your feedback clearer and easier for employees to act on.

​

2. Don't Let the Last Few Weeks Define the Whole Review

​One strong week or a single mistake should not drive an employee's overall rating.

​Revisit records from across the full review period and track how goals progressed over time. Keeping consistent notes throughout the cycle means you won't be scrambling to piece things together when review time arrives.

​

▪︎ Manage Your Performance Review Documents Effortlessly with Shopl!

​Completed reviews are only useful if you can find them when it matters.

​With Shopl's e-document features, you can send out review forms, collect completed submissions, and keep everything in one place — no more chasing paper files or digging through scattered folders. When the next review cycle comes around, past records are ready when you need them.

​If you want a simpler way to manage review documents across multiple employees and teams, try Shopl's e-document tools!