Phrase Bank

In this section, you’ll find a collection of the phrases and expressions used in the extracts on the previous pages (pp. 6–11). The numbers (1–12) after each of the phrases refer to the extract it was taken from.

How to say it

Explaining your role

My main priorities as the HR manager are... [1]

My goal is to… [1]

I am also responsible for... [3]

Explaining procedures

You’ll find everything you’ll need on our intranet. [1]

If anyone has a work-related accident, you need to... [3]

Formal performance reviews need to be carried out by... [10]

To ensure the appraisals run smoothly, follow our guidelines. [10]

Discussing working conditions

Thanks to the recent redesign, we have a very modern working environment. [2]

Are there any issues I should know about? [2]

We’re proud that we offer... [4]

Do I also have the option to work from home? [12]

We’ve agreed to a trial for six months. [12]

Being supportive

What should I be doing to help support HR? [4] It’s so important to get the most out of the performance review. [5] Do you have all the information you need? [9]

Please contact me if you require any additional support. [10]

Agreeing and disagreeing

I totally agree. [2]

Would you agree? [2]

Absolutely. [2]

I’m not sure I can agree with you there. [6]

You have a point there. [6]

That’s good. [7]

That’s an option. [11]

That seems like a good compromise. [12]

Showing appreciation

Thank you for going through the staff appraisal with me. [5]

That would be great. [5]

This has been incredibly useful. [9] That’s good to know. [9]

I appreciate your support and guidance. [9]

Congratulations! [12]

Thank you for your hard work and dedication. [12]

You’re an asset to the company. [12]

Asking for feedback

Tell me how things are going in your team. [5]

What do you like most about your job? [5]

How do you see your role? [6] Do you believe you have the skills to perform your job effectively? [7]

Giving advice

You need to... [5]

Think about what you do and why. [5] It’s important to be honest in your self-evaluation. [7]

Give examples of when you have performed well. [7]

Be proactive. [8]

If you have any concerns, you can... [9]

My advice is to… [10]

Please remember to… [10]

Provide concrete, realistic goals and a time frame. [10]

Ideally, you should focus on… [10]

Talking about performance

I’ve taken on more responsibility and I’ve helped win contracts. [6] Where do you think you can improve? [7]

Where might you need support? [7] What are the three things that your employee did the best on a regular basis this year? [10]

What are the three areas where your employee needs to develop? [10] What are the three things you can do to support your employee’s progress? [10]

Talking about pay and conditions

I know that I’m on the bottom end of the pay scale. [6]

I’m hoping for some recognition for my achievements. [6]

Is there anything we can do about her salary? [11]

Can we offer a performance-related bonus? [11]

Talking about training

To what extent do you feel you have received adequate training? [8] Some areas could be better. [8]

On a more personal level, is there a skill you need to learn? [8]

I would benefit from… [8]

How much of the budget do we need to allocate for her personal development? [11]

Agreeing a career path

She would be a good candidate for the mentoring programme. [11]

Are we confident that she is right for such a role? [11]

We’ve decided on five important milestones for the next year. [12]