The importance of feedback

Feedback is one of the most powerful factors in achieving results. It encourages, motivates and improves reaching the goals. Statistics show that 75% of employees want to receive feedback, but only 30% receive it on a regular basis.

Now let’s check the main reasons why getting feedback is so important for employees.

Stimulates continuous learning. Receiving feedback gives employees understanding of what they are doing right, which motivates them to keep it up or do even better. Plus, constructive feedback helps in improving weaknesses.

Improves company's productivity. On the other hand, requesting feedback from employees allows to see the situation from a different point of view and improve the necessary aspects.

Moreover, employees feel valued and important when they are being heard, and they see their impact on the company's performance and development.

Confirms the value of the employee. Feedback, both negative and positive, shows the employee the importance of what he/she is doing. Nobody wants to waste time on work that is not worth doing or that has no value for the company. Therefore, it is important to provide feedback not only when employees perform their tasks well, but also when there is an opportunity to point out something that needs improvement.

Increases motivation. Statistics say that 4 out of 10 employees perform worse when they receive little or no feedback. Even if employees don't ask for feedback, it doesn't mean they don't need it. The young and ambitious generation of millennials (1981 – 1996), for whom money is not as important as self-fulfillment and work-life balance, are especially eager to receive regular feedback to learn and improve their results.

Reduces conflicts. Another benefit of regular feedback is that it allows to solve the problems before they escalate. If people can't share opinions in a timely manner, even if it concerns small things, it can eventually turn into a workplace conflict. Regular feedback prevents this.

"I think feedbacks are very useful. It seems to me that there are not enough of them." - Alexander, junior developer.

"Regarding the feedbacks I get, it's ok for me. I want to hear about what needs to be improved or where I failed." - Andriy, middle developer.

"Feedbacks are great. I always want to know about my weaknesses and strong sides. This helps to optimize the work process, to improve skills at some points, and in general, to find out whether I am coping with my work well" - Alexander, QA.