Actus 360 Feedback Software vs Traditional Performance Reviews: What’s Best?

When it comes to managing employee performance and development, the tools and processes you use make a big difference. Traditional performance reviews have been the default for years, but more and more organisations are switching to 360 feedback software for a more balanced and meaningful approach to employee feedback.

If you’re responsible for performance management, employee engagement or career development, this guide breaks down how each method works, the benefits and limitations, and how Actus 360 Feedback Software can help you drive growth, improve feedback quality and enhance the employee experience.

What is 360 Degree Feedback?

360-degree feedback is a powerful tool to evaluate an employee’s performance and development needs from multiple perspectives. Unlike traditional performance reviews which typically rely on a single manager’s view, 360-degree feedback gathers input from various sources including supervisors, peers, direct reports and sometimes even customers or clients.

This multi-faceted approach gives a comprehensive view of an employee’s strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement. By using these diverse insights, organisations can make more informed decisions about employee development and promotion, ultimately creating a more inclusive and accurate feedback process.

Traditional Performance Review Process: Familiar but Flawed

The traditional performance review process is top-down. A manager evaluates a direct report’s past performance during a formal meeting — often once or twice a year. This is simple but has well-known drawbacks:

• Feedback is often subjective and limited to one perspective

• It focuses on past performance rather than future development opportunities

• Reviews may feel disconnected from day-to-day work

• Employees can leave the process feeling disengaged or unrecognised

There’s little room for continuous feedback, which makes it hard to support employee growth or create a responsive development plan.

What’s Different About 360 Feedback?

360 feedback is a more dynamic, people-centred approach. It gathers input from various sources — including managers, peers, direct reports and even clients — to give a rounded view of someone’s strengths and development areas.

It enables:

• A clearer understanding of team dynamics

• Richer insights based on multiple perspectives

• Honest, anonymous feedback in a safe environment

• A focus on both personal development and professional growth

• Greater ownership of one’s own development by the individual

When done well, multi-rater feedback supports both individual and team success.

Practical Comparison: 360 Feedback vs Traditional Reviews

Feature	Traditional Performance Reviews	Actus 360 Feedback Software
Feedback Sources	One (manager)	Multiple (peers, reports, clients)
Frequency	Annual/Biannual	Flexible and ongoing
Focus	Past performance	Future development
Perspective	Single	Multi-dimensional
Customisation	Limited	Customisable evaluation templates
Employee Involvement	Minimal	High (self-reviews, feedback forms)
Reporting	Basic summaries	Detailed reports, performance metrics, feedback data
Scalability	Manual	Supported by automated workflows and reminders
Cultural Impact	Transactional	Inclusive, collaborative, values-driven

360 Degree Feedback Software Features

Effective 360-degree feedback software should have the following features:

• Multi-rater feedback: Collect feedback from multiple sources including supervisors, peers and direct reports.

• Customisable evaluation templates: Create tailored templates to suit your organisation’s goals.

• Automated workflows: Automate feedback collection, reminders and notifications.

• Advanced analytics and reporting: Get actionable insights from feedback data.

• Integration capabilities: Integrate with performance management and learning systems.

How to Implement 360 Degree Feedback Software

Implementing 360-degree feedback software requires careful planning and execution. Follow these steps to ensure a successful implementation:

1. Define purpose and goals: State the aims and success metrics.

2. Choose the right software: Match the platform to your organisation’s needs.

3. Develop a communication plan: Explain the process clearly to employees.

4. Provide training and support: Help staff understand how to give and receive feedback.

5. Monitor and evaluate: Adjust and refine the process for better outcomes.

Feedback Reports

360-degree feedback software provides detailed reports and analytics to help inform decisions about employee development and growth:

• Individual feedback reports: Show strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement.

• Aggregate feedback reports: Identify organisational trends and patterns.

• Development planning tools: Help employees build personalised development plans.

Why Choose Actus 360 Feedback Software?

Actus makes the feedback process simple from start to finish. Whether you’re collecting feedback for leadership, building a development culture or launching a new performance management tool, Actus helps your team be clear and confident.

Key Features That Add Value:

• Feedback from multiple sources with customisable templates

• Actionable feedback through clear reporting

• Integration with Microsoft Teams

• Automated reminders to keep the process on track

• Real-time visibility into performance trends and employee lifecycle insights

• Analytics to identify strengths and development areas

• Clean, intuitive interface

• Fully branded setup for cultural alignment

With engagement surveys, training materials and communication tools, Actus enables your HR team to run a strategic feedback process.

Real-World Use Cases: Who Benefits Most?

HR Leaders in Growing SMEs
Actus simplifies the review cycle and introduces a scalable approach to employee development — even with small teams.

L&D Professionals in Professional Services
Use 360 feedback to inform development planning, guide employee training and measure impact with performance metrics.

Independent Consultants & Coaches
Actus 360 NOW is perfect for providing clients with meaningful feedback, layered with your own consultancy services.

Senior Leadership Teams
Gain visibility into organisational strengths and close talent gaps through comprehensive feedback.

Implementing 360 Degree Feedback Software: Step-by-Step

1. Define the purpose

2. Select participants

3. Customise surveys

4. Communicate the process

5. Collect the feedback

6. Track progress with analytics

7. Review results and act

Choosing the Right 360 Degree Feedback Software

When selecting software, consider:

• Ease of use: A clean interface encourages participation.

• Customisation: Tailor the process to your needs.

• Integration: Connect with your HR tools.

• Support: Choose a provider with excellent training and customer service.

• Cost: Ensure it fits your budget while delivering value.

Flexible Options for Every Need

Actus 360 NOW
Quick-start solution for consultants or small organisations needing efficient feedback collection.

Actus 360 Feedback & Survey
Designed for mid-sized businesses with full branding and consultancy support.

Actus Managed Service
Let Actus manage the entire feedback process from start to finish.

Each option supports meaningful employee recognition, personal and professional development, and measurable outcomes.

Mini FAQ: 360 Feedback FAQs

Is 360 feedback time-consuming to manage?
Not with Actus. Automated workflows and tools make it simple.

Can feedback be biased or inconsistent?
Patterns across sources improve reliability and make insights more actionable.

Will employees take it seriously?
Yes — when feedback is development-focused and communicated clearly.

Can we pilot it first?
Absolutely. Start small and scale when ready.

Can we customise the process?
Yes. Create your own templates and rating scales to match your organisation.

Why It Matters: Building a Culture of Growth

Moving beyond annual reviews isn’t just about improving process — it’s about building a stronger culture. With Actus 360 Feedback Software, you can:

• Encourage continuous feedback

• Empower individuals with self-reviews

• Improve team performance with peer feedback

• Create clear development opportunities

• Boost retention through personalised development plans

Most importantly, you help your people feel seen, supported and ready to grow.

Conclusion

Annual reviews aren’t going away — but they’re no longer enough. To improve performance, engagement and drive real change, 360 feedback software offers the flexibility and insight you need.

Actus makes it easy to run a process that’s simple for HR, engaging for employees and valuable for the entire organisation.

About The Author