AN increasing number of companies are placing greater importance on staff appraisals and performance reviews.

According to David Simpson, managing consultant of the sales and marketing division of recruitment specialists Hitchenor Maher, today's appraisals are more future focused and concentrate on staff development rather than on past assessment.

He said: "There is a misguided perception that appraisals are very much salary associated yet of the 77pc of British companies that has such a system in place, almost half claim there are no direct relationships with salaries.

"The key to success is to consider future productivity.

"Appraisees can prepare themselves by finding out what will be asked, what you need to bring and if you can make requests.

"Employers can learn about their staff development skills through the open approach."