3 ways to bring balance to employee goal setting in 2026 - HR Executive

Editorial verdict

The article provides cross-industry data on the number of performance goals employees are expected to meet and offers guidance for HR leaders on how to create a culture of meaningful, balanced goal setting. The findings suggest that more than 80% of surveyed employees have six or fewer goals, and the right number will depend on business goals, industry, and other factors unique to each organization.

Executive summary

This article addresses the importance of performance goals in building talent, adapting to change, and employee wellbeing. It presents data from a broader performance management survey showing that nearly half of employees have four to six goals, while 35% have one to three. The article offers guidance for HR leaders on how to make goal setting a collaborative process, equip managers and employees with the right training, and provide ongoing support. It emphasizes the need to balance the number of performance goals with an employee's capacity and the organization's ability to provide meaningful support.