15 Examples of Business Goals for Employees (Set Yours Now!)

A Complete Guide to Choosing & Setting Business Goals for Employees, Managers, & Owners Including Examples

Do you have a hard time selecting and setting business goals for employees?

Don’t worry. Because I understand the challenge. Based on my many years in the working world.

As a result, allow me to bring my experience to the table. And give you a helping hand including examples.

Whether you are a manager assisting your employees to set their business goals. Or, an individual contributor tasked by the boss to recommend your business goals for the upcoming year.

Either way, we have it covered in this post about business goals for employees with examples.

As the saying goes, time is money. And I want to help you deliver key results for your business. Rather than excuses.

So, let’s get moving on today’s topic…

Examples Of Business Goals For Employees

My objective is to provide you with the business goal-setting tools and tips you need. No matter who you are, what you do, or where you work.

Thus, here are 15 very broad business goals for employees examples. Furthermore, any specific goal you choose and set will almost always fall into one of these categories.

  1. Increase sales to existing customers
  2. Identify and onboard new customers
  3. Market to a new channel or geography
  4. Implement a new marketing strategy
  5. Develop a new product or service
  6. Increase production or service utilization rates
  7. Reduce product or service quality issues
  8. Streamline a process
  9. Eliminate unnecessary expenses
  10. Increase direct job skills through training
  11. Cross-train in another functional area
  12. Achieve a relevant degree or professional certification
  13. Lead a team, project, or function
  14. Communicate more clearly
  15. Collaborate more effectively

So, when you are stumped about setting employee performance goals. Review these 15 areas to get your thought processes flowing. We will circle back to them in a moment.

But first, I want to drill down a little deeper. To provide you with the knowledge and tools to be an absolute pro. When it comes to setting company goals for employees…

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Disclosure: At no cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Business Goals For Employees: Performance-Based Or Personal

First, think of employee business goals falling into one of two areas.

Specifically, they are either performance-based. Or, they are personal.

In either case, they must align with the strategic goals of the company. I recognize, as an employee, that you are not likely to set overall strategic goals.

On the other hand, if you are in a leadership position. Or just want to understand where strategic goals fit into the big picture.

Then check out this post about…

5 Essential Types of Goals for Every Business

Otherwise, stick with me here. As we dive deeper into both performance and personal development goals for employees…

Performance-Based Business Goals For Employees Examples

As the name implies this type of business goal seeks to directly improve the performance of a business. Thus, I also like to call them direct goals.

Furthermore, the performance of a business can be improved in two ways. Either by increasing revenues. Or by improving processes.

Finally, business goals can be either financial or non-financial. And many employees forget about the non-financial kind.

Don’t let that happen to you. Be well-rounded by reading this guide to the…

Best Non-Financial Performance Measures

…for successful businesses.

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Okay, let’s go back to our original list of 15 employee business goals examples. To talk about growing revenues and improving processes.

Business Goals Targeted At Increasing Revenues

Specifically, numbers 1 through 5 are performance-based business goals focused on increasing revenues. They were…

  • Increase sales to existing customers
  • Identify and onboard new customers
  • Market to a new channel or geography
  • Implement a new marketing strategy
  • Develop a new product or service

Setting individual goals for work in any of these 5 areas is perfect for many employees. Who specifically?

Well, team members working in these types of roles:

  • Sales professionals
  • Marketing professionals
  • Customer service representatives
  • Research and development

Business Goals Targeted At Improving Processes

Then going back to our original list of 15. We have numbers 6 through 9. They represent goals for improving business processes and productivity.

More specifically…

  • Increase production or service utilization rates
  • Reduce product or service quality issues
  • Streamline a process
  • Eliminate unnecessary expenses

These types of individual goals for work can fit well for anyone. And anywhere in an organization.

After all, every department and function has processes that can be streamlined. And potential expenses that can be reduced.

However, they fit especially well when setting corporate goals for employees in these functions:

  • Production
  • Purchasing
  • Quality control
  • Accounting
  • Human resources

Okay. That’s an explanation of direct goals that seek to improve business performance management. We are going to talk about them more in a moment.

However, when setting business performance goals is your main priority. Then check out these 28…

Examples of Business Goals and Objectives

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Otherwise, stick with me here. Since I would like to introduce personal development goals for work.

They are also options when putting together a set of business goals for employees…

Personal Business Goals For Employees Examples

First, objectives of this kind focus on personal development.

Because by expanding an associate’s skills and knowledge. Theoretically, the business will indirectly receive a benefit too.

Thus, I also refer to them as indirect goals. As the business benefits from better educated, better trained, and better-performing workers.

Furthermore, personal goals can be broken down into two types. Those that focus on hard skills. And others that emphasize soft skills.

Business Goals Targeted At Improving An Employee’s Hard Skills

Hard skills help an employee know their area of responsibility more. Also, allow them to do their job better.

From our original list of 15 good business goals for employees, numbers 10 through 12 falls in this area…

  • Increase direct job skills through training
  • Cross-train in another functional area
  • Achieve a relevant degree or professional certification

Then we have soft skills…

Business Goals Targeted At Improving An Employee’s Soft Skills

They are business goals related to an employee’s ability to effectively deal with other people.

They are important because all businesses flow through people. Both internally and externally.

Thus, these company goals are highlighted in our 15-point list. As numbers 13 through 15…

  • Lead a team, project, or function
  • Communicate more clearly
  • Collaborate more effectively

Finally, to emphasize, anything you can do to personally improve. Indirectly helps your employer. And your future work prospects.

So, if you want to take your personal goal setting up a notch. You must read this article about…

The 50 Best Personal Goals Examples

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Okay. Let’s recap what we know so far…

A Framework For Selecting And Setting Business Goals For Employees

What we have discussed is a framework to think about and develop individual goals for work.

Since I don’t know exactly who you are. What you do. Or, where you are employed. I can’t give you the exact individual goals for your work situation.

But I can give you a process. And plenty of ideas for business goals.

And finally, sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. Thus, this is what we have covered:

diagram showing how to set business goals for employeesPin

With that recap under are belts. Let’s dive a little deeper into the 15 business goals for employees’ examples.

It is the list of possibilities I have been referring to frequently. And introduced at the beginning of this article.

15 Examples Of Business Goals For Employees

As I said earlier, almost every business goal you choose will fall into one of these 15 categories.

But once again, my purpose is not to give you the exact goal to set. Rather, give you some background and context. To provide the fuel for brainstorming your potential goals.

Then you will be equipped to develop the exact goals that are right for your situation.

So, let’s go through them…

1. Increase Sales To Existing Customers

The most efficient way to increase revenues is to sell more to existing customers. Thus, look at every customer to see what they buy. And how much.

Then decide how you can sell them more.

2. Identify And Onboard New Customers

On one hand, finding and onboarding new customers is more time-consuming and resource-intensive. Versus selling more to existing customers.

On the other hand, don’t let your customer base become stale. Grow it!

3. Market To A New Channel Or Geography

Consider the untapped potential of selling through a new channel.

Potential channels included distributors, retail stores, direct selling, and online options.

4. Implement A New Marketing Strategy

First, understand who are you trying to reach. Be it other businesses (B2B). Or, consumers (B2C).

Then determine how your company markets its products and services. Perhaps there are ways to get the word out.

To get in front of potential new customers. About what you do and what you sell.

Some options included social media, e-mail, co-branding, joint ventures, improved presence online, and media advertising.

5. Develop A New Product Or Service

Consistent innovation is the foundation of success for many companies. So, look for new products and services that can be developed.

Okay. That’s the revenue aspect of company goals for employees. Next, we move on to processes.

In either case, goals focused on revenue or process enhancement tend to be financially oriented. And since businesses primarily exist to make money.

You may want to dive deeper into financial improvement activities for your company.

If so, you should pursue the goals in this article…

10 Examples of Business Financial Objectives

…that every company should consider.

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6. Increase Production Or Service Utilization Rates

Every business can get more efficient at producing whatever it is they sell.

Either production rates. Or, utilization of personnel that service the customer for a fee.

7. Reduce Product Or Service Quality Issues

Not meeting customer quality expectations can drag a business down big time. So, look for ways to improve quality.

Either quality assurance. Being the processes that keep quality issues from happening in the first place.

Or, quality control. Which involves problem-solving after quality issues occur. And stopping them from getting to the customer.

8. Streamline A Process

Every employee, project, function, and department has processes that can be eliminated or improved.

Either look at the big picture to identify unnecessary processes to eliminate. Or pick an essential process and streamline it.

9. Eliminate Unnecessary Expenses

Process and productivity improvements will naturally make a business more cost-efficient.  But there is additional work that can be done.

Thus, look at your area of responsibility. And identify expenses that can be eliminated.

Or, identify and participate in smart business investments. That will pay off with increased productivity. Thus, lowering the cost of doing business.

For an in-depth guide about investing in your business. Be sure to read this outline about…

Making Smart Business Investments

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Okay. It’s time for another transition.

Since we have covered performance-based business goals for employees. Both revenue-generating goals. And potential process improvement goals.

Next, it’s time to turn to personal business goals for employees. Starting with goals that focus on hard skills…

10. Increase Direct Job Skills Through Training

Look for on-the-job training opportunities. Especially tapping the expertise of skilled and more experienced co-workers

Or, consider highly specific courses and seminars that relate closely to your job responsibilities.

Next in a series of examples of employee development goals is number 11…

11. Cross-Train In Another Functional Area

Broadening your knowledge base is great. Both for doing what you do today better. And for opening up new opportunities in the future.

How about working on one of the production lines for a week? Or, going on customer calls with one of your associates in the sales department.

You will be amazed at what you learn. And the respect you will gain from team members in other departments.

12. Achieve A Relevant Degree Or Professional Certification

Furthering your education and certifications is a good area for business goal setting. The more relevant the training is to your current job. The more receptive an employer will be to it.

Last but not least. In the area of personal development goals for work. Next, let’s talk about soft skills…

13. Lead A Team Project or Function

Developing leadership skills cannot be understated. They will take you far in business.

Also, when making more money is your goal. All else being equal, leadership roles will naturally pay more.

As one of my former bosses used to say. “Lead, follow, or get out of the way.”

So, identify an activity. Where you can assume a leadership role.

14. Communicate More Clearly

Getting your thoughts across in a clear, concise manner is critical. Whether they be face to face, on video conferences, or in writing.

Thus, objectives focused on improving your ability to communicate effectively. Are a great idea when you are creating personal development goals for work.

15. Collaborate More Effectively

Business gets done with people and through effective people management. So, identify goals that improve your ability to collaborate positively and productively.

Because success relies on good teamwork!

Okay. Now you have both a framework for business goal setting. And also 15 goal categories from which you can start to identify and select business goals as a manager or employee.

Next, onto the art and science of business goal setting. Because you need 2 things.

First, a framework to identify your goals. Second, a methodology to set them.

So, let’s review these topics…

Use The SMART System To Set Business Goals For Employees

There are a couple of different goal-setting systems you should know about. Specifically, the HARD system and the SMART system.

Both are great ways to go about setting goals. And they can also be effectively used together.

On the other hand, for our purposes today, I recommend setting SMART business goals for all employees in a business.

To do so, write your goals down. And use these 5 elements in the SMART system to structure your writing…

Specific

Be as detailed as possible when establishing a business goal.

Measurable

Determine how you will measure successful completion. Of the important business objective that you are choosing.

Achievable

Make your business goals aggressive, but achievable. Sometimes they are referred to as stretch goals.

Because there is no reason to waste time and resources. Going after something that is not possible.

Relevant

Your employee business goals must be relevant too. For example, increasing sales to existing customers by 10% may be achievable.

On the other hand, for someone working in the accounting department. It may not be relevant to your circumstances.

Time-Bound

Finally, every goal should have a deadline. And larger more complex goals should have interim milestones leading up to the completion date.

You can read more about…

Comparing the HARD System vs the SMART System

…for setting goals like an expert.

A SMART employee setting business goalsPin

Since we just talked about setting a deadline for each of your business goals. I would like to briefly touch on goals and timeframes.

The Duration Of Business Goals For Employees

When setting goals, the time to completion should fall within one of three different buckets. They are…

Short-Term Business Goals

In my experience, most individual goals for work focus on the next year. So, many goals will be short-term in nature.

Defined as goals to be completed in no more than 12 months.

Do you need to focus on the short term? Then be sure to read our guide to…

Short-Term Goals Examples for Business

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However, if you want to go the extra mile. To impress the boss.

You should think about longer-term goals too. For ensuring your short-term goals align with long-term planning.

Both for the individual. And for the company as a whole.

Medium-Term Business Goals

By at least considering medium-term business goals. Those that are to be accomplished in more than one but less than five years.

Doing so means you will have a head start. When next year’s annual business goal-setting process for employees arrives.

Thus, if you are interested in zeroing in on mid-term company goals. Check out our article about…

Business Goals for a Medium-Term Strategy

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Long-Term Business Goals

Finally, we have long-range planning. These important objectives are to be accomplished in 5 years or more.

It’s common for companies to have 5-year business plans. So, why not think long-term as an employee too. As you and your manager work on goal setting.

Ready to be the rising star at work? Then check out this post about…

Long-Term Objectives for Your Business

signage about a corporate plan with goalsPin

Alright now. There is one more sub-topic to address.

Because we have a framework for identifying employee business goals with examples. And a system for setting those goals that will increase the odds for success.

So, let’s bring all of this together with some examples of written business goals for employees…

Examples Of Setting Employee Business Goals

Furthermore, I think it makes sense to look at several different business areas. So you will have a robust set of employee performance goal examples for your reference.

Of course, I will use the SMART system…

Example Of An Employee Business Goal To Increase Revenues

Goal. Increase sales to existing customers in the East territory. An achievable and relevant goal for the sales manager responsible for this territory.

Specific. An increase in east territory monthly sales to current customers of 10%. Customer A will account for half of the increase. While customers B and C will make up the other half.

The sales representatives responsible for these customers will be assigned these goals. In support of the team manager for the territory.

Measurable. Revenue-based comparing current month sales to prior year sales of the same month.

Time-bound. The goal will be completed in the 4th quarter of this year. With progress measured starting next month.

Example Of An Employee Business Goal To Improve A Process

Goal. Increase output on production line A. An achievable and relevant goal for the production line supervisor.

Specific. Increase the output of production line A by 10%. The machining, finishing, and packaging areas will all contribute with 10% improvements.

Each production line operation lead will be assigned these goals. To support the line supervisor.

Measurable. Output-based comparing current month output to prior year output for the same month.

Time-bound. The goal will be completed in June of this year. With progress measured starting next month.

Example Of An Employee Development Goal To Improve Personal Hard Skills

Goal. Achieve required Certified Public Accountant certification. An achievable and relevant goal for the Corporate Accounting Officer.

Specific. Complete the final 2 of 4 exams required for certification as a public accountant.

Measurable. To be measured by the certifying bodies board of examiners. Measured by receipt of the official certification.

Time-bound. Final exam completed and passed by October 31.

Example Of An Employee Development Goal To Improve Personal Soft Skills

Goal. To improve communication skills and collaboration among departments. The employee will present new product line specification reviews to all members of the sales teams.

This is an achievable and relevant goal for a product manager.

Specific. For each of the 3 new product lines being developed, prepare and present a training program that highlights the specifications and features to the sales team.

Measurable. Completion of physical presentation materials and live meetings.

Time-bound. Presentations for product line 1 completed by June 30, product line 2 completed by September 30, and product line 3 by December 31.

Okay. We are almost done.

But there is one last thing I would like to bring up. Because there are big side benefits to setting and achieving business goals as an employee.

Specifically, career advancement. So, for all of you career-minded types that are still reading.

I encourage you to review this article about…

35 Career Goal Examples for Success in Business

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Okay. That covers it.

Allow me to summarize what we have learned…

Wrap Up: Examples Of Business Goals For Employees

Whether you are setting goals at a small company. Or, a large one. Think about employee business goals for work like this…

First, they can be performance-based. And focused on increasing revenues. Or, improving business processes.

Second, they can be personal development goals for work. Targeting either employee hard skills or soft skills.

Third, goals should be written down and completely documented using the SMART system. Thus each goal should be:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • Relevant
  • Time-bound

Fourth, time frames should be an important consideration.

While most company goals for employees are short-term in nature. In other words to be completed in less than a year.

It’s a good idea to think about medium and long-term business goals. When setting short-term ones. To ensure alignment into the future.

Finally, use the 15 business goals examples for employees as a brainstorming list. Since most goals will fall into one of these areas.

By approaching business goals this way. I’m confident you will shine in your next performance review.

That’s all for today. Before you go, check out all of our…

Business and Money Management Guides

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Author Bio: Tom Scott founded the consulting and coaching firm Dividends Diversify, LLC. He leverages his expertise and decades of experience in goal setting, relocation assistance, and investing for long-term wealth to help clients reach their full potential.

Business Goals For Employees Explained With Examples