Performance reviews are often met with groans and anxiety, and for good reason. The process of evaluating one’s contributions over an entire year can feel daunting, unclear, and even unfair. But now, thanks to artificial intelligence, that may be changing for the better.
A growing trend is emerging in modern workplaces: AI-assisted self-appraisals. This technology is not only streamlining performance reviews but also reducing bias and empowering employees, especially women, to better advocate for themselves.
The Problem with Traditional Reviews
Historically, performance reviews have been highly subjective. Managers carry their own biases, whether conscious or unconscious, and feedback can be influenced by recent events rather than long-term contributions. This “recency bias” often overshadows months of consistent, quality work because of one mistake or oversight in the weeks leading up to a review.
Moreover, there’s often a mismatch between how employees view their performance and how it aligns with the company’s strategy or goals. The result? Miscommunication, frustration, and missed opportunities for growth and recognition.
AI the New Appraisal Partner
AI-powered tools are changing that narrative. By leveraging data from emails, project management platforms, reports, and performance metrics, these tools help employees recall and articulate their contributions more clearly and in line with company objectives.
Rather than relying solely on memory or the manager’s perception, AI systems provide a more structured, objective way of reviewing performance. And it’s working: when Oracle tested AI for performance reviews in 2023, 89% of employees said they were open to adopting it.
A Confidence Boost — Especially for Women
Self-evaluations can be particularly challenging for women, who often struggle with self-promotion or feel less confident in emphasizing their achievements. AI removes some of the emotional burden, acting as an impartial tool that encourages fairer self-expression.
In fact, people tend to speak more openly when interacting with AI, as it doesn’t carry the same emotional weight or potential judgment as a human manager. According to Dr. Triparna de Vreede of the University of South Florida, AI tools can help formulate feedback that better represents both employee contributions and company direction.
The Human Factor Still Matters
Of course, AI is not a complete replacement. Human oversight remains essential, particularly to handle nuances that algorithms may miss and to safeguard against potential privacy issues.
What’s important is the collaboration between AI and human judgment. When used responsibly, AI can enhance performance reviews by grounding them in data and reducing subjectivity, not replacing human empathy and leadership.
As AI continues to weave into the fabric of our professional lives, it’s heartening to see it applied to areas like performance reviews, processes that deeply affect career progression and workplace morale.
At Techpluxx, we believe the future of work is one where technology supports equity, clarity, and growth, and AI-powered self-appraisals are a promising step in that direction.
