It's Appraisal Season: Your Opportunity to Shape 2026
December has arrived with its usual chaos—end-of-year deadlines, Christmas preparations, and the general rush that comes with closing out the year. But amidst all that busyness, there's something genuinely valuable happening: appraisal season.
At The People Consultancy, we're already deep into year-end appraisals with our clients. Some businesses prefer tackling them before the Christmas break, whilst others push into January. What matters is that you actually do them.
Why Appraisals Matter More Than You Think
I know, I know. Appraisals can feel like just another box to tick, another administrative task on an already overwhelming list. But here's what they really are: a structured opportunity to pause, reflect on the year behind you, and deliberately shape what comes next.
This isn't just about reviewing your team's performance. It's about asking yourself some fundamental questions:
What parts of 2025 do I want to carry forward into 2026?
What do I want to leave behind?
These questions apply to everything in your business—including those staffing issues you've been putting off all year.
The Power of Strategic Reflection
I do this exercise with my own coach every year, and I'd genuinely encourage you to do the same. Take time before the year ends to think critically about your people and your business.
What challenges did you face this year that you never quite resolved? What conversations did you avoid having? What processes felt clunky or inefficient? What team dynamics need addressing?
Now's the time to stop letting those things drift into another year.
Instead of crossing your fingers and hoping 2026 sorts itself out, you can go into the new year with actual plans. With proactive measures around your HR and your people. With clarity about what needs to change.
Where to Start If You're Feeling Stuck
If the thought of conducting meaningful appraisals makes you feel a bit lost, or if you genuinely don't know where to begin with year-end people planning, that's exactly what we're here for.
You don't have to figure this out alone.
We can support you in whatever way works best for your situation:
A strategic planning call where we talk through your people priorities for 2026 and create a clear action plan
Appraisal preparation materials guidance notes to help you conduct effective conversations with your team
Hands-on support conducting appraisals alongside you or coaching you through the process
The goal isn't perfection. It's progress. It's making 2026 better than 2025 because you took time now to think strategically about your people.
Make This Season Count
Appraisal season isn't just about looking backwards at what happened. It's about looking forwards at what you want to create.
So whilst December swirls around you with its usual intensity, carve out time for this work. Your business—and your team—will benefit enormously from the clarity and intention you bring to these conversations.
If you'd like support with year-end appraisals or strategic people planning for 2026, get in touch. We're here to help you make it happen.
