Performance Evaluation

Supervisors and employees are strongly encouraged to discuss job performance and goals on an informal, day-to-day basis. Formal performance evaluations are conducted at the end of an employee's introductory (initial and/or secondary) period in any new position, and thereafter on or about the anniversary of the employee's date of hire for their present position (i.e.: every 12 months). Formal performance evaluations are conducted to provide both supervisors and employees the opportunity to discuss job tasks, identify and correct weaknesses, encourage and recognize strengths, and discuss positive, purposeful approaches for meeting goals.

Merit-based, one-step pay adjustments are awarded by Lakeland to recognize employee performance. The decision to award such an adjustment is dependent upon numerous factors, including the information documented by this performance evaluation process.

In recognition of truly superior employee performance over an extended period of time, a supervisor, at the time of an annual evaluation, may submit an employee's name to be considered for an extra-step pay adjustment. This adjustment must be approved by all supervisory personnel, with final authorization given by the Cooperative Director. In general, each employee will be eligible to receive an extra-step pay adjustment no more than once every three years. Whether an employee receives an extra-step pay adjustment is solely within Lakeland?s discretion.

Policy No.  209  Issued  10/1/2002  Applicable  8/8/2002