Performance reviews have long been part of the workplace, but for electrical contractors, their purpose and execution are evolving fast. Gone are the days when performance evaluations were used as control tools — reminders that workers were easily replaceable. In those environments, reviews were about compliance, not improvement.
In today’s skilled trades environment, that approach just doesn’t cut it. A good journeyman or apprentice is an asset, and performance reviews should reflect that. Done right, reviews build morale, encourage safety, support professional development, and strengthen your crew.
The True Purpose of Performance Reviews
For electrical contracting companies, performance reviews should help your team grow — whether it’s a foreman leading a crew or an apprentice learning the ropes. Strong reviews can highlight what’s working, address what needs improvement, and give every worker a clear idea of how to succeed on the job.
Reviews aren’t about catching mistakes — they’re about correcting course, celebrating wins, and helping every electrician, technician, or helper reach their potential.
The Cost of Turnover in Skilled Trades
Turnover is especially costly in the electrical field, where skills, certifications, and safety knowledge take time to build. Losing a reliable electrician means more than just a hiring gap — it affects project timelines, team morale, and safety standards.
- Replacing a $60,000 electrician could cost over $20,000 in recruitment, onboarding, and lost productivity
- For specialized roles like estimators or licensed master electricians, replacement costs could be even higher
Investing in development through performance reviews reduces these risks and helps retain top talent. According to Gallup, employees who receive regular feedback are nearly 4 times more engaged — and engagement keeps good workers on your job sites.
Evaluating Strengths and Gaps
Performance reviews should go beyond “doing a good job” or “needs improvement.” Maybe a journeyman has excellent troubleshooting skills but struggles with paperwork or documentation. Or maybe a newer apprentice is strong in conduit bending but needs to improve their safety awareness.
Instead of forcing every employee to fit the same mold, use reviews to place them where they thrive — on tasks that match their strengths while providing support to grow in other areas.
Types of Performance Reviews for Electrical Contractors
Different methods can be used depending on your company size and structure:
- Self-Assessment Review. Let electricians evaluate their own work first, including safety, timeliness, and workmanship. This sets up an honest conversation.
- Supervisor Review. A foreman or project manager gives structured feedback based on job site performance, safety compliance, and team collaboration.
- 360-Degree Feedback. Input from coworkers, project leads, or even clients. Useful for those in leadership or customer-facing roles.
- Peer Review. Great for tight-knit crews that rely on strong teamwork and accountability.
- Rating Scale Review. Use a consistent scale to track performance across jobs—communication, safety, efficiency, and technical skill.
One effective model is to combine self-assessment with supervisor feedback, encouraging responsibility and opening the door to constructive discussion.
Distinguishing Performance from Knowledge Issues
If an employee isn’t meeting expectations, it’s essential to understand why. Are they missing technical knowledge, or is it a matter of motivation or attitude?
- Knowledge gaps might be addressed with training, shadowing a more experienced electrician, or reviewing safety protocols
- Performance issues might stem from burnout, unclear job expectations, or outside personal stressors
Pinpointing the root cause allows for the right response — support, training, or corrective action.
Goal Setting for the Job Site
Vague feedback like “be more reliable” doesn’t help anyone. Instead, define clear, job-related goals:
- Reduce jobsite errors by 50% over the next 90 days
- Complete OSHA 30 certification by the end of the month
- Improve punch list completion time by 20% on the next project
Follow-up matters too — these goals should come with checkpoints and accountability.
A Tool for Growth, Not Just Judgment
When done well, performance reviews foster a culture of respect, improvement, and loyalty. They shift the relationship between manager and worker from authoritarian to collaborative. In the trades, where quality and safety are everything, those relationships are essential. The goal isn’t to punish — it’s to keep workers engaged, confident, and striving toward excellence.
Final Thoughts
In the electrical contracting world, your people are your greatest asset. Whether you run a small crew or manage multiple job sites, performance reviews are a smart way to retain talent, prevent mistakes, and build a stronger team.
Move beyond outdated review practices. Give your employees clear expectations, meaningful feedback, and a path for growth — and you’ll power up your workforce like never before.
Wendy Christie is the owner and developer of EmployerESource, a software program that creates customized company handbooks based on business requirements, state and federal laws, and industry best practices. With over 20 years of experience in employee relations, Wendy has reviewed employment laws in all 50 states and worked with companies across a wide range of industries. Register at https://handbook.employeresource.com/ to download an employee handbook tailored for electrical contractors.