Causes and Solutions for Performance Problems

Causes and solutions for performance problems Sometimes, performance problems in the workplace can be corrected with properly planned training. At other times, training seems to have no effect or may make the situation worse. Before implementing training, managers should look at the symptoms of the problem, identify the possible causes, and select a solution that addresses these causes. The solution may be well-planned training solution, but may instead be better resolved with a non-training solution.

Environmental problem Something is holding employees back Symptoms: -employees know how to perform -employees are motivated to perform -still not performing to standard -many employees have same problem

Possible causes: -inadequate tools, resources, information -work interrupted or idle time waiting for work -policies preventing performance Possible solutions: -ensure adequate tools, resources, information -fix work flow and processes -change any policies preventing performance

Motivational problem Employees lack rewards or internal motivation Symptoms: -employees know how to perform -employees could perform it they wanted to -still not performing to standard - usually only a few isolated employees

Possible causes: -rewards and incentives not working -employees not given feedback on performance -some advantage to poor performance Possible solutions: -adjust rewards and feedback -ensure nothing is rewarding poor performance

Skill problem Employees don‘t know how Symptoms: -employees motivated to perform -environment not preventing performance -still not performing to standard -may have never performed to standard

Possible causes: - lack of knowledge / skills - never trained on task - task so infrequent employees forget Possible solutions: -training to provide knowledge/skills required or reinforce past training