Employee performance is one of the most important outcomes in management and organisational life. A high performance indicates that people have done an excellent job and work to the best of their ability, whereas low performance suggests people can do better. But it’s not always clear what people performance is and how it can be measured.

Our research draws on the latest evidence to explore the definitions of individual and team performance and how it can be measured in practice, and evaluates the best models that can be used to explain what drives it. This will support HR leaders to develop a strong understanding of performance within their workforce.

  • See the practice summary for the main insights and practical recommendations for action. 
  • See the scientific summary for our methodology and technical information on the research and study references.

Members access only

Unlock exclusive, tailored content and resources, just for members.

Sign in to access

Not a member yet? Find out how you can become a member today!

More on this topic

CIPD Viewpoint
People analytics

Explore the CIPD’s point of view on people analytics, including recommendations for employers

Factsheet
People analytics

Understand what people analytics is, different types of HR data, and the importance of people analytics strategy and process

Factsheet
Workforce reporting

Learn about defining, measuring and reporting human capital, and how HR can use human capital information to drive performance

For Members
Bitesize research
Improving feedback to improve performance

This research outlines recommendations for making feedback discussions more constructive

For Members

Latest evidence reviews

Evidence review
Trust and psychological safety: An evidence review

Find out what the evidence says about building trust and psychological safety

For Members
Evidence review
Effective people managers: Evidence review

Research exploring how to develop people managers who drive organisational success

For Members
Evidence review
High-performing teams: An evidence review

Explore the latest research on how to create a positive environment to build and nurture effective teams

Evidence review
Productive meetings: An evidence review

This evidence review summarises the latest research on the effective management of meetings and offers recommendations to get the most out of them

For Members
All evidence reviews