Appraisal Venues with a Twist
Benchmark Recruit Employer Advice, advice-centre
Break the tension surrounding annual appraisals by venturing away from your office environment and hosting them off-site. Switching location is great for both employer and employees as it can lead to more open conversations, and promote a growth mindset surrounding the forthcoming year. With conversations focused on performance, salary and personal circumstances, it is often beneficial to hold these away from your office as prying eyes and ears are never too far away.
Take some inspiration from our top alternative appraisal locations in Sheffield and South Yorkshire.
Chimney House - The Living Room
Located in the award winning Chimney House, the Living Room is a great bright space, and it is perfect for winter gatherings as there is a log burning stove and fire side armchairs. Situated on the historic waterways of Kelham Island, there are inspiring views to kick start the creativity flow. It holds up to 10 people and there's even an interconnecting larger meeting room should you want to have a team meeting afterwards.
Contact the Chimney House right here
Victoria Barge, Terminal Warehouse
The Victoria is a bespoke 60 x 12ft wide canal barge, yes, you heard it right, this is a barge which has been fully kitted out as a luxurious living and meeting area. This is indeed one special venue, and is a unique space in Sheffield which is perfect for intimate meetings such as appraisals. There's even a wood burner in there so you can enjoy this space in winter months.
Contact the Terminal Warehouse team right here.
Ecclesall Woods Woodland Discovery Centre, Hectors House
This gem is located in one of Sheffield’s finest woodlands, Ecclesall Woods. Nestled in the woods and built from local oak, which was destined for the sawmill on site, its twisting wooden shingle roof gives it an almost fairy tale feel. With a wood burner on site, it’s the perfect winter hot spot, plus the woods themselves are accessible should you want to walk and talk.
Contact the Hectors House team right here.
Grimm & Co - Rotherham
This magical location is home to Grimm and Co Apothecary which is a spellbinding centre offering creative support to encourage literacy development of young people. Appraisal or not, if you haven't been you're missing out on an amazing experience.
Depending on the format of your appraisals, you can choose from three amazing spaces all with the capability to send your imaginations wild:
- The Writer's Centre (WC): a private meeting room with central table (featuring toilet door graffiti of a literary bent!) and seating for eight.
- The Writers Pad: A very light open space with tables, chairs, cushions and a unique exit of a beanstalk! A Jumanji style area with walls of greenery, a floor of lawn and a book shop and ancient library.
- The Imagination Gym: a quirky, open space with comfy sofa seating - plus a brain duster and mind oiler always available for any sluggish imaginations.
Virgin Money Lounge
The Virgin Money Lounge has been a real hit with the business community of Sheffield, and the Lounge is a great place for a less formal appraisal location. The area is free to Virgin Money customers and is well used by businesses for one-two-one's and meetings in the city.
Contact Virgin Money Lounge right here.
The Workstation - The Creative Snug
This is a perfect intimate and private space located in the creative hub of The Workstation. It's ideal for one-on-one sessions and can be hired out by the hour at a very affordable rate. If the appraisals are a real success, and cause for celebration, there's the added bonus of the Showroom Bar and Cafe literally being next door for lunch or drinks.
Contact The Workstation right here.
If the venues aren't right for your appraisals, consider their use for meetings or away days as it is always good to break out from your usual environment, taking time to focus 'on' the business rather than 'in' the business.