Streamlining Performance Reviews: A Step-by-Step Guide for Small Business Owners
A step-by-step guide for small business owners on streamlining performance reviews. Learn how to make reviews efficient, effective, and less...
Performance Review Templates and Email Scripts: Free Download for SMBs
Download free performance review templates and email scripts to streamline your SMB's performance management process, making reviews simple, consistent, and stress-free.
Evalflow
Aug 11, 2025
Streamlining your performance review process is critical for busy small businesses. Here are proven, easy-to-use performance review templates—plus essential email scripts—that make performance management simple, consistent, and less stressful for everyone.
1. Performance Review Templates (Free Downloads)
A. Annual Performance Review Template
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What it covers: Achievements, strengths, areas for development, goals for the next year
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Download formats: Google Docs, Word, Excel, PDFplaky+3
B. Quarterly/Monthly Review Template
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Best for: More frequent check-ins, tracking short-term objectives
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What it includes: Goals achieved/not achieved, teamwork, organizational skills
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Download formats: Google Docs, Word, PDFaihr+1
C. Self-Evaluation Template
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Purpose: Employee-led reflection before review meetings
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Sections covered: Accomplishments, challenges, goals, satisfaction
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Download formats: Word, PDFhibob+2
D. Numerical/Rating-Scale Template
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Use case: Score employees on criteria like teamwork, initiative, learning. Great for quantitative comparisons.
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Formats: Excel, Google Sheetsforbes+2
E. Manager/360° Review Template
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Includes: Questions for team feedback on managers/leaders (upward feedback)
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Download: Word, PDFlinkedin+1
Tip: Rotate templates to keep feedback fresh and actionable—or pulse-check teams with the "1-on-1 progress check" variant between major cycles.linkedin
2. Performance Review Email Scripts (Copy & Customize)
Template 1: Performance Review Notification (to Employees)
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Subject: Your Upcoming Performance Review
Hi [Name],
It’s time for your [annual/quarterly/monthly] performance review. This meeting is a great opportunity to discuss your progress, wins, and areas for growth.
Please complete the attached self-evaluation form and bring it to our meeting on [date/time]. Reach out if you have questions beforehand.
Looking forward to our discussion!
Best,
[Manager Name]
Template 2: Performance Review Reminder (Company-Wide)
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Subject: Reminder: Performance Reviews Next Week
Hello team,
Performance review week is coming up! Please check that you have a review scheduled with your manager. Fill out and bring the self-evaluation form to your meeting.
Questions? Let [HR Contact] know. Thank you for preparing and making reviews productive!
Template 3: Manager Preparation Email
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Subject: How to Prep for Upcoming Performance Reviews
Hi [Manager Name],
Our [annual/quarterly] review cycle starts [date]. Please reach out to your team to schedule meetings and ensure everyone completes their self-evaluation.
During each review, encourage your direct reports to share their reflections first, then offer your feedback and support.
Let me know if you need any guidance.
Template 4: Post-Review Summary Email
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Subject: Performance Review Summary and Next Steps
Hi [Name],
Thank you for our recent review discussion. Here’s a quick summary:
Key accomplishments: [List]
Areas to focus on: [List]
Agreed next steps: [List]
Let me know if you have questions or want to talk further. Looking forward to hitting our goals together!
3. Where to Find Free Download Templates
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10 Performance Review Templates (includes Google Docs, Word, Excel, PDF)plaky
Make reviews simple and stress-free:
Download a template, customize the emails above, and give your SMB a smoother, more meaningful performance management experience—no expensive software or HR team required.