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Develop talent with the 9-Box Talent Grid

Available for the following plans: Plus, Unlimited HR, Elite, Unlimited HR+Payroll
Available for the following HR plan: Platinum
Available for the following User Access levels: Manager, Admin

Use the 9-Box Talent Grid to assess and categorise employees based on their performance and potential. It consists of a 3x3 grid, with one axis representing performance and the other, potential.

Important

Add employees to the 9-Box Talent Grid by rating their potential and performance within the talent grid page, an employee row, or their Employee Scorecard. Learn how to use the employee scorecard in this article.


View the 9-Box Talent Grid

Viewing the 9-Box Talent Grid

Important

Admins, Primary Managers, and Indirect Managers can view and edit employee scores. Secondary managers cannot view or edit the 9-Box Talent Grid. HR admins can also control who sees the 9-Box Talent Grid in the navigation via Menu Customisation settings.

  1. Log in to Employment Hero.
  2. Click the Performance menu option.
  3. Click on the 9-Box Talent Grid option.
  4. The page is split into two tabs: Talent Grid and Performance History. Filter or search for a team or individual using the Team and Personnel filters above the tabs.

    Helpful Hint

    The Team and Personnel filters sit above both tabs and stay in sync as you switch between them, ensuring your data layouts always show matching results.

    Helpful Hint

    On the Talent Grid tab, hover over a set of initials on the grid to see who it belongs to. If no employees have been rated yet, if active filters return no results, or if the 9-Box hasn't been configured for your organisation, the grid area will display helpful guidance text.

Rating performance and potential

Rate performance and potential quickly for multiple employees

You can rate multiple employees' performance and potential from the Talent Grid tab. This helps you stay on top of employee scores and save time in the process.

  1. Log in to Employment Hero.
  2. Click the Performance menu option.
  3. Click on the 9-Box Talent Grid option.
  4. From the Talent Grid tab, click the Add Score button.
  5. A score side panel will open on the right side of the screen. Choose the employee from the search drop-down menu.
  6. Use the 3-star rating system to score the employee on performance and potential. Click the stars to choose a score.
  7. Click Save.
  8. The 9-box talent grid will instantly update with the latest scores.

Helpful Hint

Ratings can also be added or edited by clicking directly on an employee row within the page, or directly from an employee's file. In each case, the score side panel will open pre-filled with that employee's details.

Who can review and edit an employee's performance and potential
  • Admins can view and edit all employees' performance and potential.
  • Direct managers can view and edit the performance and potential of employees beneath them in the organisational chart.

Further information

How do I export 9-Box Talent Grid data?

Both the Talent Grid and Performance History tabs include a dedicated Export button that allows you to download a CSV of your tracking data.

  1. Apply any desired Team or Personnel filters at the top of the page.
  2. Click the Export button located on your active tab.
  3. The CSV file will download to your device with a single click, requiring no loading screen modal. The export will always reflect your active filters.
How do I read the 9-Box Talent Grid?
  • Star Performer (Top Right): These employees are considered top talent and are often earmarked for leadership roles or special development programmes.
  • Impact Multiplier (Centre Right): These employees excel in their current roles but may need further assessment to determine their future potential.
  • Anchor of Excellence (Bottom Right): These employees deliver excellent results but may not have aspirations for advancement or may be better suited in their current roles long-term.
  • Key Talent, High Drive (Top Centre): These employees are reliable performers with the potential for growth and development into leadership roles.
  • Valued & Evolving (Centre): These employees are reliable performers who may benefit from targeted development to advance their careers.
  • Reliable & Stable (Bottom Centre): These employees consistently meet expectations but may not have significant potential for advancement.
  • Future Strategist (Top Left): These employees have the potential to improve significantly and may require support and development opportunities.
  • Evolving Talent (Centre Left): These employees may be struggling in their current roles but have the potential for improvement with the right support and development.
  • Building Competence (Bottom Left): These employees may need performance improvement plans or other interventions.
How do I use the 9-Box Talent Grid for Talent Management?
  • Identify high-potential employees for leadership development programmes.
  • Tailor development plans for employees based on their placement in the grid.
  • Identify areas of strength and development needs within the organisation.

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