Definition

• According to Indiana University, performance standards outline the specific expectations for a certain duty. Employees must demonstrate observable behaviors and actions to meet performance standards.
  
  

Types

• Employee performance standards include expectations about employee behavior, professionalism, work ethic, organizational skills, productivity and time management. Some standards are quantitative in nature. For example, a productivity standard in a factory may state that an employee must manufacture 10 bolts per hour. That production rate helps gauge standard compliance.
  
  

Function

• Employee performance standards create order and consistency in the workplace. Performance evaluations revisit these standards. During an evaluation, supervisors review performance standards and compare these expectations against an employee's workplace activity.
  
  

Effects

• Performance standards determine if an employee helps or hinders an organization's mission. Employees who meet or exceed the standards may qualify for promotions or raises. Those who fall short of the standards, however, may receive demotions or work probation.