Feedback to the Pilot
Around half of the 900 participants in the Dialog pilot programme – both supervisors and their employees – provided feedback on the new format.
The results can be summarised as follows:
- The form provided a good balance between free and structured conversation, particularly regarding objectives, tasks and projects, which was appreciated by most pilot participants. The template was rated as more simple, helpful and clear than the previous one.
- Participants noted that the key questions could be improved to clarify what should be discussed as part of which topic. ETH’s expectations towards employees in terms of objective setting should also be given more attention.
- Feedback on performance and behaviour was rated as nuanced and informative by 70% of participants.
- Not receiving or issuing letter grades for performance was welcomed by 58% of employees and 89% of supervisors.
- Nearly 50% of participants trusted that salary negotiations would be handled fairly under Dialog. 25% were either neutral or slightly sceptical. Participants objected to the lack of transparency and the unclear relationship between performance and salary development. Some supervisors remarked that they are not sure how to influence their employee’s salary without the ability to give letter grades.
- The use of the PDF form was rated as practical and easy by a wide majority of participants. A few pilot participants expressed the desire for a digital format that would allow for collaborative working, or stated that they had problems with saving or printing the form.
- According to those who provided feedback, active participation in the discussion and mutual appreciation were already features of the appraisal process, and they continue to be well integrated in the Dialog format.
- The support provided in the form of kick-off meetings, a companion website and contact persons was also rated as very useful.
The numerous responses and results from the evaluation helped the HR team develop the template in the pilot programme and make adjustments for the rollout in 2024.