Episode 248 - Fit for Purpose? Why Everyone Dreads Performance Reviews

2025-11-11

Performance management has been a cornerstone of HR for decades - but is it still doing what it’s meant to do? In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, we’re diving deep into the world of performance management - the processes, the pain points, and the possibilities for change. Are traditional appraisal systems still fit for purpose in today’s workplaces? What’s working, what’s not, and how do both managers and employees really feel after going through them? In this episode, Dave and Mary are joined by Crystel Robbins Rynne, Chief Operating Officer at HR Locker, to unpack wh...

Performance management has been a cornerstone of HR for decades - but is it still doing what it’s meant to do?

In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, we’re diving deep into the world of performance management - the processes, the pain points, and the possibilities for change. Are traditional appraisal systems still fit for purpose in today’s workplaces? What’s working, what’s not, and how do both managers and employees really feel after going through them?

In this episode, Dave and Mary are joined by Crystel Robbins Rynne, Chief Operating Officer at HR Locker, to unpack what’s wrong with the old performance review model - and what needs to change. Together, they explore how to turn reviews from a once-a-year box-ticking exercise into a continuous, constructive process that supports both managers and employees.

Guests

Crystel Robbins Rynne – Chief Operating Officer, HRLocker

Topics include

Why Traditional Performance Reviews Aren’t Working
The Shift from Annual Appraisals to Continuous Feedback
How to Equip Managers with Real People-Management Skills
Separating Pay Conversations from Performance Conversations
How Technology Can Support (but Not Replace) Human Interaction
Creating a Culture of Regular Check-Ins and Coaching
The Future of Performance Management in the Age of AI

References

HR Locker – HR Software for People-Centric Organisations
Insight HR Training & Development – Soft Skills & Manager Training

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About The HR Room Podcast

The HR Room Podcast is a series from Insight HR, where we talk to business leaders and HR professionals from around Ireland about the topics that matter most to people leaders today.

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