120 Performance Appraisal Employee Final Comments & Reviews

Performance appraisal, often called performance review, is a structured process to evaluate and document employee performance over a specific period.

In Malaysia, this system plays a vital role in managing employee growth, compensation, and career planning.

If you're looking to performance appraisals samples, this guide covers samples that you can use for giving reviews and comments to your employees for their development.

What Is Performance Appraisal?

Performance appraisal involves assessing an employee's performance against predefined standards and providing feedback.

According to Mathis & Jackson (2006), it is a systematic process of evaluating how well employees perform their jobs compared to set expectations, with results communicated directly to them.

This evaluation is typically conducted annually, semi-annually, or quarterly. The insights from these appraisals are critical for:

Identifying training needs
Planning career paths
Adjusting salaries or bonuses

Why is Performance Appraisal Important?

The main objectives of performance appraisals are:

Provide constructive feedback: Help employees understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
Encourage behavioral changes: Motivate employees to adopt effective work habits.
Support decision-making: Assist managers in planning promotions, salary increments, and training programs.

Effective performance appraisals minimize biases and serve as a foundation for data-driven decisions.

Tips for Writing Performance Appraisal Final Comments & Reviews

1. Be Specific and Objective

Avoid vague comments. For example, instead of "Good job," say, "You met your sales targets, increasing team performance by 15%."

2. Highlight Strengths and Achievements

Acknowledge the employee’s strengths. Example: "Your leadership has ensured the timely completion of key projects."

3. Address Areas for Improvement

Provide constructive feedback. Example: "Work on time management, especially handling multiple projects. Consider using prioritization methods."

4. Set Clear Goals for the Future

Set measurable and realistic goals for the next review period. Example: "Aim to take on leadership roles and mentor junior team members."

5. Be Balanced and Honest

Include both praise and areas for improvement. Example: "Great attention to detail, but improve communication during team meetings."

6. Tailor Your Comments to the Employee

Customize feedback for each employee’s contributions. Example: "Your innovation in marketing boosted outreach; now focus on improving your data analysis skills."

Here are over 100 performance appraisal phrases categorized based on key topics.

These examples cover both positive and critical feedback to help guide HR professionals in providing a comprehensive review of employees.

About Aptitude

Positive

"You have consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to learn new concepts and skills. Over the past year, you have successfully mastered three new software tools, which directly contributed to the improvement of team productivity by 20%. Your ability to adapt to new challenges quickly has been impressive, and you’ve made significant strides in your personal development."
"Your aptitude for quickly understanding complex problems and providing effective solutions has been outstanding. For example, during the last quarter, you were able to comprehend and implement a complex data reporting system within a span of two weeks, which resulted in a 30% improvement in report generation speed. This remarkable speed and comprehension significantly contributed to the team’s overall success."
"You consistently apply innovative thinking to solve problems. Your ability to come up with creative solutions was evident when you introduced a more efficient process for project tracking, which has reduced bottlenecks by 15%. Your keen understanding of systems and ability to think outside the box is a great asset to the team."
"You have demonstrated considerable growth in your technical knowledge. Over the past year, you’ve completed an advanced training course on data analysis and have since applied this knowledge to improve operational efficiency, leading to a 25% decrease in processing time. Your desire to continuously learn and improve your technical aptitude has made you an indispensable part of the team."
"You’ve shown a strong aptitude for taking on new responsibilities with ease. In the last six months, you took on the additional responsibility of managing the team’s project schedule. Despite this increased workload, you maintained a 95% accuracy rate in tracking deadlines and deliverables. Your ability to manage multiple responsibilities with minimal supervision is highly commendable."

Feedback

"Despite your best efforts, you have struggled to understand some of the new processes and tools introduced this year. For example, the new CRM system implementation took you more than four months to fully grasp, leading to a delay in the team's ability to fully utilize the system. We recommend focusing on improving your learning pace, particularly in technical areas, and seeking additional support where needed."
"While you demonstrate an ability to solve problems, the time taken to arrive at solutions has been a concern. For example, a recent issue with project deadlines could have been resolved in half the time had the problem been addressed sooner. On average, it takes you 35% longer than the team average to come up with viable solutions. We encourage you to work on your decision-making process to improve response time and efficiency."
"Your aptitude for understanding concepts is clear, but you have shown inconsistency in applying that knowledge. For instance, although you excelled in understanding new software tools, your ability to apply that knowledge to solve real-time issues has been slow. This has resulted in some projects missing deadlines, especially the last two reports where your solutions were either late or ineffective, leading to a 10% delay in project completion."
"While you’ve shown some effort to adapt to new technologies, you have faced challenges in implementing them effectively. The recent integration of our project management tool resulted in a significant learning curve for you, which impacted your performance. You were only able to utilize the tool 60% effectively compared to the team's average of 85%. We suggest dedicating more time to improving your technical skills and leveraging available resources for additional training."
"Your aptitude for problem-solving is evident, but there has been limited improvement in your speed. Despite previous feedback, it took you an average of 10 additional hours to resolve issues this quarter compared to other team members. This has created delays in project timelines, affecting team output. It’s important that you work on your problem-solving efficiency by enhancing your ability to think quickly and decisively."

About Attendance

Positive

"Your attendance record has been exemplary over the past year. You have maintained perfect punctuality, arriving at work on time every day without exception. This level of reliability is rare and is highly appreciated by the team. Your consistent presence has contributed positively to the overall productivity, ensuring team meetings and projects stay on track."
"You have demonstrated an excellent commitment to your role by consistently being available for additional hours when required. Your attendance at key meetings, even outside of regular office hours, has been critical in ensuring timely decision-making and project delivery. In the past quarter alone, you volunteered to work extra hours on five separate occasions, ensuring that urgent tasks were completed on time."
"Your commitment to your role is evident in your minimal absenteeism. You’ve only taken two sick days in the past year, and both were for legitimate reasons. This shows a high level of dedication and reliability. You consistently plan and manage your time effectively to avoid unnecessary absences and ensure that your work does not get delayed."
"You’ve shown great flexibility when it comes to working hours. On several occasions, you’ve adjusted your schedule to accommodate urgent project needs. For example, you offered to extend your working hours during the tight deadlines of the Q4 project, ensuring everything was completed on time and without compromising quality. This adaptability makes you an indispensable team member."
"Despite facing some personal challenges this year, you’ve managed to maintain excellent attendance. Your dedication to coming to work even during difficult times is commendable. Your resilience in managing both personal and professional responsibilities has set a great example for your colleagues."

Feedback

"Unfortunately, your attendance has been a concern this year, with several unplanned absences. Over the past six months, you missed an average of 4 days per month, many of which were not communicated in advance. These absences have caused disruptions to the team’s workflow and put additional pressure on your colleagues to meet deadlines. We encourage you to improve your attendance by planning ahead and communicating any potential issues in a timely manner."
"Your attendance has been impacted by chronic tardiness. You’ve arrived late to work 15 times in the past quarter, causing delays in project timelines and meetings. On average, you have been arriving 15 to 30 minutes late, which affects the team’s productivity. We recommend making more of an effort to arrive on time consistently. If you are facing any challenges that affect your punctuality, please communicate them so we can work on a solution together."
"Your recent attendance issues have also been compounded by a lack of communication regarding your absences. For example, in the last month, you were absent for three days without prior notice, causing confusion for your team members and impacting project schedules. We strongly encourage you to notify us in advance if you are unable to attend work, especially for planned absences such as medical appointments or personal days."
"Unfortunately, your attendance has negatively impacted the team’s performance. In the last quarter, you took five unscheduled days off, and your absence was felt most significantly during the team’s critical project phase. This led to delays, with tasks being rescheduled and some deadlines pushed back. It’s important that you strive for better attendance consistency to prevent this from affecting future projects."
"Your attendance record is below the team average, with you missing approximately 10 days over the last three months. This has had an effect on your individual productivity, as well as on the team’s overall output. While we understand that occasional absences are inevitable, we encourage you to work on improving your attendance so that you can contribute fully to the team’s success."

About Communication

Positive

"Your communication skills have been outstanding throughout the year. You consistently convey your thoughts and ideas clearly and concisely, making it easy for team members to understand and act on your feedback. For example, in our recent project meetings, your ability to break down complex tasks into simple steps has helped the team stay focused and on track. Your communication fosters a collaborative atmosphere and ensures that everyone is aligned."
"One of your greatest strengths is your ability to listen actively and ask relevant questions. During team discussions, you ensure that everyone’s ideas are heard and considered, creating an inclusive and supportive environment. Additionally, your follow-up emails after meetings are always detailed, clear, and well-structured, ensuring no information is missed and everyone knows the next steps. This proactive approach in communication helps the team stay organized."
"Your presentation skills have been exceptional. Whether presenting to the team or clients, you always make sure to deliver information in a clear, engaging, and structured manner. For instance, your recent presentation on the new product launch was well-received by both the internal team and clients. You were able to explain technical details in a way that was easy to understand, which helped in making informed decisions."
"You have a great ability to provide constructive feedback in a way that encourages growth. During peer reviews, you focus on what went well and offer specific suggestions on how to improve in a positive, supportive manner. This skill not only helps individuals grow but also strengthens the overall performance of the team. Your communication fosters an environment of mutual respect and continuous improvement."
"You have consistently demonstrated strong interpersonal communication, which has positively impacted your relationships with colleagues and clients. Your ability to maintain a professional yet approachable demeanor allows you to connect with people across different departments and levels of the organization. Whether you’re answering questions, explaining processes, or just having casual conversations, you communicate effectively and maintain positive interactions."

Feedback

"Your communication, while frequent, often lacks the clarity required for effective collaboration. In several instances, especially during meetings and project discussions, team members have reported confusion due to unclear explanations. For example, your recent email regarding the new task assignments left some colleagues unsure about the next steps. We encourage you to be more precise and provide detailed explanations to ensure clarity in all communications."
"One area that needs improvement is your listening skills during team meetings. There have been a few occasions where it seemed like you were not fully engaged in the discussion, which led to some misunderstandings or missed important details. For instance, during last month’s brainstorming session, you misunderstood key feedback from a colleague, which delayed the project. We recommend that you make a more conscious effort to actively listen and participate in conversations."
"While you’re proactive in sending emails and updates, your written communication sometimes lacks structure and clarity. For instance, in the last project update, the email was lengthy and could have been more concise, which made it hard for team members to quickly grasp the key points. Going forward, we suggest focusing on improving the organization of your written communications to make them more accessible and easier to understand."
"One area where improvement is needed is your ability to provide constructive feedback. At times, you offer feedback in a way that can come across as vague or overly critical, rather than focusing on solutions. For example, during the recent performance review session with a team member, the feedback lacked clear suggestions for improvement, which made it difficult for them to take actionable steps. We recommend adopting a more solution-oriented approach to your feedback."
"There have been instances where your communication with team members has been inconsistent. For example, there were several delays in responding to team members’ questions regarding project timelines, which caused unnecessary confusion and setbacks. Timely and regular communication is essential for ensuring that everyone is on the same page and that tasks are completed efficiently. We encourage you to be more consistent in keeping your team updated and responding promptly to queries."

About Creativity

Positive

"Your creativity has been a driving force in many of the innovative solutions you have contributed to the team. Whether it's in brainstorming sessions or problem-solving, your fresh ideas often lead to successful outcomes."
"You consistently offer creative approaches to tasks, pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible. Your out-of-the-box thinking has helped the team develop new strategies that have proven to be very effective."
"Your creativity is evident in your work, particularly in the way you approach challenges. You consistently find new ways to enhance processes and bring innovation to the team."
"You have a natural ability to bring fresh ideas to the table, which has enriched our team's overall strategy and problem-solving capacity. Your creative solutions often help streamline tasks and create new opportunities."
"You consistently demonstrate a creative mindset, which has allowed you to solve complex problems and take on challenges that others might shy away from. Your innovative solutions have made a significant impact."

Feedback

"At times, your creativity has been limited to conventional solutions. We would like to see you take more risks and explore new, unconventional approaches to problem-solving."
"Your ideas have tended to be repetitive, and we encourage you to focus on thinking more outside the box. Embracing a wider range of creative possibilities will help improve your contributions to the team."
"There is an opportunity for you to expand your creativity in your work. While you handle familiar tasks well, we encourage you to apply more innovative thinking to improve outcomes."
"Your solutions are often safe and not as creative as they could be. We encourage you to take more initiative in exploring new and creative approaches to challenges."
"Although you are a reliable worker, your approach to creativity tends to follow traditional methods. Developing a more adventurous mindset could lead to more impactful and innovative contributions."

About Dependability

Positive

"You have consistently demonstrated dependability, handling your responsibilities without the need for constant supervision. Your reliability makes you a key contributor to the team’s success."
"You consistently meet deadlines and can be trusted to deliver high-quality work even in challenging circumstances. Your dependability ensures that projects move forward without delay."
"Your ability to reliably complete tasks on time, without needing reminders, has made you an integral part of the team. Colleagues can always count on you to fulfill your commitments."
"Your dependable nature allows the team to function smoothly, knowing that you will handle your tasks with professionalism and accuracy, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks."
"Your dependability has been outstanding. You have consistently taken ownership of your responsibilities and delivered results, even during peak work periods."

Feedback

"There have been instances where you have not followed through on commitments, which has created challenges for the team. Improving your consistency in completing tasks on time will help strengthen your reliability."
"Your dependability has sometimes been lacking, particularly when you failed to meet deadlines or missed key deliverables. We encourage you to improve in this area to ensure the team remains on track."
"You sometimes fail to prioritize effectively, leading to incomplete tasks or missed deadlines. Working on being more reliable in meeting your responsibilities will help you avoid setbacks."
"There have been occasions where your lack of dependability caused delays in team projects. It’s important to improve your consistency, especially when managing multiple tasks simultaneously."
"Your follow-through on key assignments has been inconsistent, and this has impacted team efficiency. More attention to detail and prioritization will help improve your dependability moving forward."

About Efficiency and Time Management

Positive

"You consistently demonstrate exceptional time management skills, balancing multiple projects effectively while maintaining high-quality standards. Your ability to prioritize tasks ensures that deadlines are met without compromising on detail."
"Your efficient approach to work allows you to handle tasks in a timely manner, even under pressure. You manage your time well, ensuring that each task gets the attention it needs while avoiding unnecessary delays."
"You are highly skilled at identifying tasks that can be streamlined or delegated. This ability to optimize your workload allows you to focus on high-priority projects, improving the overall efficiency of the team."
"Your commitment to meeting deadlines, while managing time effectively, is one of your key strengths. You've consistently delivered projects on time without sacrificing the quality of your work."
"You are always prepared and well-organized, ensuring that your tasks are completed ahead of schedule. Your ability to plan your day effectively allows you to contribute more and take on additional responsibilities."

Feedback

"There have been occasions where you struggled to manage your time effectively, leading to delays or incomplete tasks. Improving your ability to prioritize will help you become more efficient and reduce any impact on the team."
"Your time management skills sometimes fall short, especially when juggling multiple projects. Developing better strategies for prioritizing your tasks will improve your overall efficiency."
"On some occasions, you have missed deadlines due to poor planning and time allocation. We encourage you to work on organizing your tasks more efficiently to avoid delays in future projects."
"You often find yourself overwhelmed by deadlines, which impacts your ability to manage tasks effectively. Taking a step back and organizing your tasks using a time management system could improve your ability to stay on top of your work."
"While you complete tasks, there is room for improvement in how quickly you manage competing deadlines. Focus on using time management techniques such as task lists or prioritization to ensure all work is handled more efficiently."

About Leadership

Positive

"Your leadership skills have been exemplary, guiding the team through complex projects while maintaining morale and focus. Your ability to lead by example has been a motivating factor for the entire team."
"You consistently demonstrate strong leadership qualities by empowering your team members to take ownership of tasks. You are able to balance providing direction with allowing autonomy, creating a positive and productive work environment."
"Your ability to handle difficult situations with a calm and thoughtful approach has earned the respect of your team. You demonstrate patience and clarity, which fosters a sense of security and trust among your colleagues."
"You effectively mentor and motivate your team, providing clear guidance and constructive feedback. Your leadership style encourages collaboration and ensures that all team members feel supported and valued."
"Your strong leadership has driven the team to consistently achieve key goals. You have a clear vision, and your ability to communicate it effectively has aligned the team's efforts with company objectives."

Feedback

"There are times when you have struggled to provide sufficient direction to the team, leading to confusion and inefficiencies. Strengthening your communication and decision-making abilities will help guide the team more effectively."
"While you have the potential for great leadership, there are occasions when you tend to avoid difficult conversations, which can lead to unresolved issues. We encourage you to take more initiative in addressing challenges head-on."
"Your leadership style can sometimes be too hands-off, leaving your team to figure out solutions without enough support. Providing more guidance and feedback will help ensure your team is aligned with your expectations."
"At times, you have not provided adequate feedback to your team, which can hinder their professional growth. Regular, constructive feedback is essential for keeping the team on track and improving performance."
"You have occasionally struggled to delegate effectively, taking on too much yourself and overburdening your schedule. Trusting your team more with tasks will allow you to lead more efficiently and foster a sense of responsibility among your team members."

About Flexibility

Positive

"You consistently adapt to changing circumstances with ease, demonstrating a high degree of flexibility in your work. Your ability to pivot when priorities shift allows you to remain productive and meet the needs of the team."
"Your flexible approach to challenges has been key in helping the team navigate shifting goals. Whether it’s adjusting deadlines or taking on new responsibilities, you remain focused and ensure that work continues smoothly."
"You demonstrate remarkable adaptability, particularly when faced with unforeseen changes. You approach every new situation with a positive attitude, ensuring that your work remains unaffected by external challenges."
"You consistently handle changes to projects or schedules without losing momentum. Your flexibility in taking on new tasks and adjusting your approach has helped the team meet shifting demands with ease."
"Your ability to adjust to changes in strategy or goals has been crucial in meeting the company's evolving needs. You stay open-minded and are always ready to take on new challenges, making you a key contributor to the team."

Feedback

"At times, you have shown resistance to changes, which has slowed down progress. It is important to develop a more flexible mindset to embrace new opportunities and adjustments that arise within the workplace."
"You have struggled with adapting to last-minute changes or shifting priorities. Increasing your flexibility in handling such situations will help ensure that you remain effective even when things are in flux."
"There have been occasions where you were slow to embrace new processes or technologies, which affected the team's ability to move forward. A more open approach to change will ensure that you stay aligned with the team's goals."
"While you can adapt to some changes, you sometimes take longer to adjust when projects or priorities shift. Improving your ability to remain agile in uncertain circumstances will improve your overall effectiveness."
"Your reactions to changes in tasks or team direction have sometimes been less flexible, creating a bottleneck in the workflow. Developing a more adaptable mindset will help you better handle dynamic work environments."

About Job and Technical Skills

Positive

"You consistently demonstrate a high level of technical expertise in your role. Your ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues with ease has ensured that the team can meet deadlines without encountering setbacks."
"Your job-specific skills are of exceptional quality. You manage complex tasks with precision and skill, ensuring that each project you handle is completed to the highest standard."
"You are highly proficient in your technical field, and your ability to apply this knowledge in practical situations has been crucial in solving problems and achieving successful project outcomes."
"Your technical competence is evident in the quality of your work. You consistently produce high-quality results and provide valuable insights into improving systems and processes."
"You consistently demonstrate advanced skills in your role, always going above and beyond to ensure that tasks are completed accurately and efficiently. Your expertise in your field makes you an invaluable asset to the team."

Feedback

"There are areas where your technical skills could be enhanced, particularly when dealing with more advanced tasks. Continuing to build your technical knowledge will help you perform at a higher level."
"While you have a solid understanding of the basics, your technical skills need to improve when faced with more complex tasks. We encourage you to take additional training to refine your expertise."
"You occasionally struggle with technical tasks that require more advanced knowledge. It’s important to focus on deepening your technical understanding to stay up-to-date with industry trends."
"At times, your lack of technical proficiency in certain areas has led to delays in completing tasks. We suggest focusing on strengthening your technical skillset to improve your performance."
"While your general knowledge is strong, you often encounter difficulties when handling specific technical challenges. Additional support or learning in these areas will help you become more proficient."

About Teamwork

Positive

"You excel in a team environment, always contributing valuable insights and ensuring that everyone has a chance to share their ideas. Your ability to work collaboratively has been crucial to the team’s success."
"Your positive attitude and collaborative nature make you an outstanding team player. You engage with colleagues effectively, fostering an environment of cooperation and mutual respect."
"You consistently demonstrate a team-oriented mindset by offering support and helping others when needed. Your collaborative approach has played a significant role in achieving team goals."
"You work exceptionally well with others, building strong relationships with colleagues and ensuring that all voices are heard. Your ability to collaborate and coordinate has greatly enhanced team productivity."
"You are an integral part of the team, and your willingness to assist others and share knowledge has helped elevate the collective success of the group. Your cooperative nature fosters a supportive work environment."

Feedback

About Integrity

Positive

"Your integrity is one of your standout qualities. You consistently demonstrate honesty in all your dealings, and your ethical behavior has earned you the trust and respect of your colleagues."
"You consistently uphold high ethical standards and are known for making principled decisions. Your integrity in handling sensitive matters has made you a role model for the team."
"You can always be relied upon to act with the utmost honesty, ensuring that you maintain a transparent and trustworthy relationship with both colleagues and clients."
"Your ability to make ethical decisions, even when faced with difficult situations, is commendable. Your transparency and commitment to doing the right thing have significantly enhanced the company’s reputation."
"You approach every task with the highest level of integrity, demonstrating respect for company values and ethical guidelines. Your honest approach has helped build a culture of trust within the team."

Feedback

"On occasion, your actions have not fully aligned with the company’s ethical standards. It’s important that you consistently uphold company values to maintain trust and transparency."
"There have been times when you have made decisions that could have been more transparent. Moving forward, ensuring that your actions align with the company's integrity standards will be crucial."
"In some situations, there has been a lack of accountability for your actions, which has led to misunderstandings. Focusing on transparency and clear communication in all situations will help rebuild trust."
"Your adherence to company policies and ethical guidelines can be inconsistent at times. Strengthening your commitment to upholding these standards will ensure that you continue to be viewed as a trustworthy team member."
“There have been instances where your behavior didn’t align with the expectations of integrity in the workplace. We recommend focusing on improving accountability and transparency to strengthen your standing as a reliable and ethical team member. Being more consistent in upholding company values will foster a stronger sense of trust.”

Overall Performance Appraisal Summary

Positive

"Overall, you have been an invaluable asset to the team. Your technical expertise, leadership, and ability to work well under pressure have made a significant impact on the success of various projects. You consistently exceed expectations and have demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism and commitment."
"Your overall performance this year has been exceptional. You’ve consistently demonstrated outstanding problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic. Your contributions have not only met but often exceeded the goals set for you, making you an indispensable team member."
"Throughout the year, you have proven yourself to be an effective, reliable, and skilled professional. Your leadership, collaboration with colleagues, and ability to handle complex projects with ease are just a few examples of your outstanding contributions. We look forward to your continued growth and success in the company."
"You have shown continuous growth in all aspects of your role, whether it’s through the development of new skills, enhancing team collaboration, or successfully leading projects. Your efforts have significantly contributed to the success of the department and the company as a whole."
"In summary, your performance has been exemplary. You consistently go above and beyond what is expected, displaying the initiative and skill necessary to deliver outstanding results. Your contributions have had a positive and lasting impact on the team, and you’re poised for even greater success in the future."

Feedback

"While you have demonstrated some strengths, there are areas that need significant improvement. Your lack of consistency in meeting deadlines and managing time efficiently has impacted your overall performance. We strongly encourage you to focus on improving your time management and communication skills to meet the company's expectations more effectively."
"While you are a reliable team member in many respects, there is still room for growth. The occasional lapses in quality control and adherence to company processes have hindered your overall contribution. It's important to align more consistently with company standards and expectations to enhance your future performance."
"While you show potential, there are several areas where improvement is needed. You need to work on strengthening your technical skills and time management. We also recommend focusing on greater collaboration and openness to feedback, which will help you grow within your role."
"Your overall performance has been somewhat inconsistent. While you perform well in some areas, there are recurring challenges in meeting deadlines and working efficiently. To be more successful in the long term, we encourage you to work on developing better organizational skills and focusing on improving communication within the team."
"Although you have shown some positive qualities, there are significant gaps in your overall performance that need to be addressed. Delays in task completion and lack of involvement in team efforts have impacted your productivity. Focusing on improving your teamwork, leadership, and time management skills will help you meet expectations more effectively."

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