Appraisal Burnout: Burn bright for everyone, don’t fadeaway.

You are seen.

I think we all know the feeling—we’ve been there. You go from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., back-to-back appraisals. You’ve had enough coffee to stain your teeth for the rest of humanity and enough sugar to keep you dancing all night. But come 5 o’clock, you’re a husk of a human being, and the last thing you want to do is speak to another person. You’ve spent all day trying to have positive conversations, and your social battery has drained beyond all existence.

We always advise people to think about how they approach appraisal discussions. Yes, they can absolutely zap your social energy. But don’t just think, I’ve got to get through it. Instead, consider how you can make it a positive experience for yourself and your team.

Going back-to-back isn’t always the most effective approach. Think about the impact of doing appraisals all day—not just on yourself but also on your team. Will you be fully engaged with each person? Will you be able to give them a fair and meaningful conversation? Unless absolutely necessary, back-to-back appraisals aren’t ideal. Instead, consider spreading them across the week to give yourself time to recharge and reflect. This also allows you to adapt your approach from meeting to meeting, ensuring each discussion gets the attention it deserves.

Of course, some appraisals will be straightforward, while others may be more emotional. If you know a particularly tricky conversation is coming up, plan it at a time when you’ll be in the best position to handle it. That way, you won’t end up feeling like Ian Beale—completely drained and exhausted.

If you need any help with your appraisals, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re more than happy to support you.