Real insights come from real people like you—help shape the 2026 Hays Salary & Hiring Trends Guide. Take the survey now.
How to give feedback to your team
7 min | Jessica Smith | Article | | Workforce management
The significance of feedback cannot be overstated—it is a pivotal tool for influence within a professional setting. To harness its full potential, it’s imperative that feedback is not only given but also actively received and contemplated, regardless of whether one is offering or accepting it. The inherent challenge is that the giver of feedback cannot dictate how it will be received, while the recipient has the autonomy to choose the manner and timing of processing the feedback.
Understanding and applying different types of feedback effectively is crucial for team management and individual development. Here are three main types of feedback and their characteristics:
Purpose: Motivates employees and reinforces positive behaviours that contribute to organizational success.
Characteristics:
Purpose: Aims to improve performance or correct behaviours not aligned with company expectations.
Purpose: Addresses problem behaviours or serious errors that need immediate correction.
Here are 10 principles to guide you in providing effective feedback:
For improvement feedback, consider these additional principles:
Follow these recommendations to become an effective manager!
Here are our experts’ top tips to help you master the art of feedback:
Receiving feedback professionally involves actively listening, reflecting on what was said, and using the information to continually improve. Remember, feedback is a two-way street that requires openness to both give and receive.
Hays professionals are ready to help you and your company today and tomorrow. Contact our experts today.
Jessica Smith Senior Vice President, People & Culture, Hays Americas
An accomplished HR executive with a proven track record in overseeing and managing HR operations and talent strategy, Jessica Smith is renowned for her ability to drive efficiencies and bolster employee engagement and satisfaction.
With a robust background in developing and implementing a strong, flexible HR infrastructure, Jessica serves as a trusted advisor and business partner to the Executive Leadership Team as the SVP for People & Culture at Hays Americas.
Connect with Jess on LinkedIn