After consultation with employees, Morris chose to implement a system called “Check In.” Employees check in with their managers at least every eight weeks to discuss how things are going, and the managers give out bonuses based on performance annually.

Adobe’s decision to scrap its former evaluation system teaches businesses big and small some critical lessons.

Adobe is a large company. It employs 13,000 people on every continent except for Antarctica. For a company of that size to switch employee evaluation methods is no easy feat. The fact that the company was successfully able to make such a significant change should be encouraging to other firms. Putting a new evaluation system into place at a large company means that it’s possible for other firms to ditch their antiquated assessment program and usher in a new era in which employees can receive frequent feedback from managers.

Moving to a new evaluation system isn’t something that Adobe entered into lightly. It took time and effort to implement Check In. In aninterview with Fortune Magazine, Morris pointed out that managers required extra training so they could learn how to give feedback in real time. Also, she noted that the new system wasn’t automatically welcomed in all of Adobe’s offices. It took longer for the company’s employees in India to adjust to not receiving an annual review. However, eventually they admitted they appreciated the more frequent opportunity to receive feedback.

In her interview with Fortune, Morris commented that fewer valued staffers have left Adobe since it implemented Check In. She said that they’ve told her that they feel as though Check In has helped them succeed, because they’re receiving frequent feedback which enables them to improve. Furthermore, real time evaluations keeps everyone on track and moving in the same direction. As a result of implementing Check In, Adobe’s stock price has risen over $50.

If your employees are unhappy, then it’s time to think about something new. We help you find these employees and help them before you lose them.

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