The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has announced the beginning of Employee Performance Management System (EPMS) - Interim Review Phase, in the Federal Government for 2018, which relates to reviewing employees’ progress towards achieving their goals during the year. This phase will extend from the beginning of June until the end of July, to be followed by the third phase of EPMS (Annual Performance Review), from November to the end of December.
FAHR had issued a circular to the ministries and federal entities calling for the launch of the second phase of EPMS framework, according to the rules and standards contained in the system and taking into account the proper implementation of this pioneering system, which has been operated electronically through the Federal Government’s HR Management Information System (BAYANATI) since 2014.
In this regard, HE Laila Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Programs & HR Planning at FAHR indicated that the implantation of the three phases of EPMS is electronically enabled through BAYANATI System, and that the EPMS itself along with all review forms are available electronically on FAHR website: www.fahr.gov.ae.
She explained that employees will have access to self-service function which is considered one of the key components of BAYANATI system whereby an employee can enter his / her own individual objectives and ratings, and review the objective achieved with the line manager.
According to Laila Al Suwaidi, the EPMS allows the evaluation of employee performance electronically and enables employees to attach necessary evidence and documents required to complete the evaluation process. However, the system is not a substitute for personal interview between the employee and his / her line manager, but it is an electronic system intended to automate the traditional manual procedures, in order to support the vision and mission of FAHR aimed to keep up with smart government initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
She added that the EPMS is based on five principles: fostering a performance-oriented culture; engaging the employee in planning and setting individual objectives; encouraging fair, accurate and proactive feedback from line managers in respect to the performance of their direct reports; establishing a clear link between on-the-job performance and incentives such as annual increase, promotions and training and development opportunities; and providing a consistent, fair and credible employee performance management system, through setting clear standards, policies and procedures.
Employee Performance Management System is a process which evaluates an individual’s performance against objectives/ KPI’s set jointly with his/her line manager for the period being assessed. These objectives will be set at the beginning of the review period and will be subject to continuous review and feedback throughout the year.
The System, which was launched in early 2012 at the Federal Government level, seeks to establish a scientific approach to link performance with reward achievements and outstanding results; improve and increase UAE Federal Government employees’ productivity; encourage individual achievements and teamwork spirit; create a culture of continuous learning and professional development opportunities; allow UAE Federal Government entities to identify and recognize high performers; and set clear foundation for measurement of real contribution to the achievement of an entity’s strategic objectives