An effective EPM system includes several key components:

• Goal Setting: Every employee should have clear, measurable goals that align with the larger objectives of the organization. These goals provide a benchmark for assessing performance.
• Performance Reviews: Regular, formal evaluations of an employee's work performance help to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
• Feedback and Coaching: Ongoing feedback is critical to the performance management process. Managers should regularly communicate with their employees, providing guidance, constructive criticism, and recognition of achievement.
• Development Plans: Each employee should have a development plan that outlines how they can grow and improve in their role. This includes any necessary training or professional development opportunities.
• Recognition or Reward Systems: Employees who consistently perform well or exceed expectations should be recognized or rewarded in some way. This could be monetary, such as a bonus, or non-monetary, such as public recognition.

Performance reviews are traditionally conducted annually, but there's a growing trend toward more frequent evaluations. Regular, more frequent feedback can help employees to improve their performance in real-time, rather than waiting until the end of the year to address any issues. This could be in the form of quarterly or monthly reviews. Some organizations are even moving toward a continuous feedback model, with managers providing feedback and coaching on a regular basis throughout the year.

Performance management offers several key benefits to an organization. Firstly, it can significantly improve productivity by ensuring that individual goals are aligned with organizational goals. This encourages employees to work towards the overall success of the organization. Performance management can also help to identify performance gaps or areas for improvement, which can then be addressed through training or other interventions. It can also boost employee morale and engagement, as employees who feel their work is valued and recognized are more likely to be satisfied and motivated. Furthermore, effective performance management allows for the identification and nurturing of top talent within the organization.

Handling underperformance is a critical aspect of performance management. If an employee is underperforming, the first step is to clearly identify the issue. This could be done through performance reviews or by monitoring work output. Once the issue has been identified, the manager should communicate with the employee to discuss the problem and set clear performance expectations. It might be necessary to provide additional training or resources to help the employee improve. Regularly reviewing progress can help ensure that improvements are being made. If performance does not improve despite these interventions, it may be necessary to consider more serious actions, such as disciplinary measures or termination. It's important to handle these situations carefully and fairly, following any legal and organizational guidelines.