The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has announced the beginning of the third and last phase of Employee Performance Management System (EPMS) - Annual Performance Review, in the Federal Government for 2017, which relates to the final review of an employee’s performance as well as their assignments and behavioural competencies. This phase will extend from the beginning of November until the end of December 2017.
FAHR had issued a circular to the ministries and federal entities calling for the launch of the third phase of EPMS framework, according to the rules and standards contained in the system and taking into account the proper implementation of this pioneering system.
It also called on them to provide the results of performance review levels as per moderation committee’s decisions, as well as with data of employees who received a rating that ‘Exceeds Expectations’, not later than January 7, 2018. This is highly important in measuring HR enablers in the Federal Government, and indicators of UAE HR Award.
In this regard, HE Laila Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Programs & HR Planning at FAHR indicated that the implantation of the three phases of EPMS is electronically enabled through the Human Resources Management Information System "BAYANATI", or via the Smart App (FAHR) applied at the Federal Government level
She explained that employees will have access to self-service function which is considered one of the key components of BAYANATI system whereby an employee can enter his / her own individual objectives and ratings, and review the objective achieved with the line manager.
According to Laila Al Suwaidi, the EPMS allows employees’ performance review electronically and enables employees to attach necessary evidence and documents required to complete the appraisal process. However, the system is not a substitute for personal interview between the employee and his / her line manager, but it is an electronic system intended to automate the traditional manual procedures.
She added that EPMS is based on five principles: fostering a performance-oriented culture; engaging the employee in planning and setting individual objectives; encouraging fair, accurate and proactive feedback from line managers in respect to the performance of their direct reports; establishing a clear link between on-the-job performance and incentives such as annual increase, promotions and training and development opportunities; and providing a consistent, fair and credible employee performance management system, through setting clear standards, policies and procedures.
“Employee performance management System is a process which evaluates an individual’s performance against objectives/ KPI’s set jointly with his/her line manager for the period being assessed. These objectives will be set at the beginning of the review period, and will be subject to continuous review and feedback throughout the year”, she noted.
She added: “EPMS, which was launched in early 2012 at the Federal Government level, seeks to establish a scientific approach to link performance with reward achievements and outstanding results; improve and increase UAE Federal Government employees’ productivity; encourage individual achievements and teamwork spirit; create a culture of continuous learning and professional development opportunities; allow UAE Federal Government entities to identify and recognize high performers; and set clear foundation for measurement of real contribution to the achievement of an entity’s strategic objectives.”