Don't underestimate the value of a solid performance management plan

In an increasingly tight labor market, most employers know all too well the value of ample front-end investment when it comes to candidate recruitment and new employee training.

Far too often, though, the time and attention paid to ensuring the latest hire is a good fit falls by the wayside after the first day on the job, as the immediate tasks at hand become the focus of both worker and supervisor.

From the Fortune 500 ranks to mom-and-pop retailers, a robust performance management plan is critical to ensuring that both new and experienced employees have clear expectations and tangible goals as they forge ahead.