The busy person’s guide to stress-free performance reviews
accelerateonline • August 30, 2019
How well are your staff performing? Do they love their job? Performance reviews, an open two-way conversation held once or twice a year, are a great way to find out. While you’re not legally bound to do appraisals, they’re a great tool to keep your business running smoothly.
- Open communication lines early
Whether you have five or 50 staff, communication is key when it comes to performance reviews. Let your staff know early (ideally during induction) what goals and objectives they need to meet and give them a chance to voice their ideas. By reviewing and updating these at each review, it will be easier to explain why they’ve received a less-than-perfect appraisal if their performance wanes. - Address challenges ASAP
If an employee is under-performing, there are a range of things you can do to help. Just make sure you do it sooner rather than later. Try observing them and gently offering constructive advice to help them do their job better. You could offer extra training to improve their skills if necessary. Consider any challenges they’re facing outside of work – flexible working conditions may be a positive solution for both of you. - Preparation is key
Give your employee at least a couple of weeks’ notice so you both have time to prepare for the appraisal. Look at your employee’s job description, notes from previous reviews and performance indicators in advance. Send your staff member a list of questions to review ahead of time, in relation to areas such as job satisfaction, responsibilities, and work/life balance. If your employee is a star-player, get feedback from other employees or key customers to support that view. - Keep it formal but friendly
A performance appraisal isn’t Dragons’ Den or a casual chat over coffee, it’s somewhere in between. It’s a chance for both of you to honestly discuss the role, whether goals have been met, what’s good or bad about the job, and if their pay will increase and why or why not. - Write everything down
Take notes at each review and share a written summary with your employee afterwards to ensure you agree it’s a true reflection of what was discussed. This is key if a staff member isn’t performing because if you have to let them go, you’ll have proof of warnings and the steps you took to try to help them improve their work. - Book in regular catch ups
Keep employees engaged and avoid potential issues by setting up informal chats once or twice a month. You don’t have to wait for the full performance review to give staff feedback or get feedback from them.
Accelerate December 2025 As 2025 draws to a close, we’d like to thank you for your continued support this year. Our team is taking a well-earned break from Friday 19th December and will return to the office on Monday 12th January 2026. But before you switch on the out-of-office, take a moment to get your business ready for the holiday season. In this issue, we’ve included tips to help you manage the summer cash flow crunch, a guide on what you can (and can’t) claim back for festive spending, advice for compliant Christmas promotions, and a timely reminder to look after your team’s mental health as the year wraps up. Wishing you a safe, sunny, and successful holiday season! How to survive the Christmas cash flow crunch While retailers race through their busiest time of year, not every business benefits from the Christmas rush. Many service-based, wholesale, or manufacturing businesses might even face a sharp decline in orders just when holiday pay, bonuses, and annual shutdowns see expenses rise. 1. Forecast to February Projecting your income and expenses well into the new year helps you spot potential shortfalls and take action before they become problems. 2. Invoice early, follow up now Send invoices before your shutdown period and chase outstanding debts while clients are still around. 3. Prioritise essential spending Identify what expenses are necessary and what can wait until revenue picks back up. 4. Prepare for January’s tax obligations The 15 January due dates for PAYE, GST, and provisional tax can feel like a Grinchy surprise. Set aside funds now to avoid starting the new year under pressure. Worried about the summer squeeze If this season feels tight, get in touch. Our financial advisors can help you plan ahead, manage your cash flow, and explore IRD instalment options to lighten the load. Tis the season for giving... but what can you claim back Gifts, bonuses, parties, and more: here’s a brief breakdown of what you can and can’t claim this festive season. Employee gifts Gifts that are not subject to the entertainment tax rules (vouchers, hampers, flowers) are fully deductible and exempt from Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) if they cost less than $300 per employee per quarter, and the total for all staff stays below $22,500 a year. However, gifts that do fall under the entertainment tax rules, like food hampers or wine, or taking your team to a show or event, are 50% deductible, and not liable for FBT. Cash bonuses Bonuses are classed as income, so PAYE and other payroll taxes apply. These “lump sum” payments are taxed at a flat rate based on your employee’s income bracket. Client gifts Food, drink, or entertainment gifts are 50% deductible. Other gifts (flowers, movie tickets, a book) are 100% deductible Workplace events Christmas parties, client dinners, or team drinks are 50% deductible, while morning teas, office lunches, and charitable donations are fully deductible.
Accelerate - December 2023
Accelerate August 2023
Inland Revenue have recently announced this year’s livestock Herd Scheme Values and we think this is a great opportunity to update you on the latest movements. The Herd Scheme Values are the National Average Market Values, determined by a process involving a review of the livestock market as at 30 April.
The values for Dairy this year have seen a fall in values across all female classes, but increases across all male classes. The fall in R1 heifer values can be attributed to the prohibition of live export by sea commencing from 30 April 2023. For the first time the National Average Market Value for R1 Heifers is less than the National Standard Cost of breeding and rearing an R1 Heifer.
In contrast to Dairy values Beef values have increased on average 9% and are almost at record values for all classes.
Sheep values have all fallen from the high of 2022, slipping back an average of 10.2%. Whilst values have fallen, they are still either the second or third highest that they have ever been depending on which class of sheep you are looking at.
Goat values have increased on average 7.8% with almost all classes of fibre and meat producing goats at record highs. The value of milking goats continues to be well down from historic highs, except for breeding bucks which are at their highest value.
Like the rest of the world, New Zealand has reeled from the aftermath of Covid, rising inflation and interest rates, and the cost-of-living crisis. This year we also have a massive storm damage repair bill.
Any tax cuts, or changes to the tax thresholds were vetoed in Budget 2023 as this was viewed as worsening inflation.
