Tips for writing measurable performance standards

Performance standards should relate back to essential job functions (job description). While an essential job function tells an employee what he or she must do, a performance standard should tell the employee how well it should be done. An effective performance standard will be clearly written and follow the SMART principles.

1. Define Specific behaviors, outputs or results;

2. Be measurable, so that it may be evaluated objectively;

3. Achievable or attainable setting realistic requirements;

4. Relevant to the essential function(s) of the position; and

5. Time bound, meaning that the standard is given a timeframe within which it should be completed.

Examples: (Remember what standards you select depend upon the job and relate directly to the job description (essential duties)!

• For XXXX, no more than 5% error rate per month
• No more than 3-8% errors per quarter, as determined by the supervisor.
• At least 75% of customers agree that the employee is willing to assist and that the information they receive is helpful.
• Employee initially responds to customer requests for assistance within at least 1-5 working hours from receipt of request
• At least 85% of customers surveyed rated the employee satisfactory or better on customer satisfaction survey
• Increased revenue by XXXX% each quarter
• Missed no more than XXX work days per XXX (not including pre-arranged vacation days)

WRITE A MEASURABLE PERFORMANCE STANDARD FOR- STAFF RN AT A HOSPITAL USING THE INFORMATION ABOVE