Performance 1:1s Overview

The article provides guidance on utilizing the 1:1s feature in BambooHR® Performance Management. This feature allows managers to schedule regular meetings with direct reports, fostering structured communication. It outlines the setup process, including toggling the feature on in settings and scheduling meetings through employee profiles. Key features include agenda management, note-taking, and privacy controls, ensuring only managers and direct reports access 1:1 notes. Email notifications remind both parties of upcoming meetings and agenda items. The article emphasizes the importance of 1:1s for employee development and alignment on performance expectations, ultimately enhancing productivity and job satisfaction.

  • Apr 27, 2026
  • Knowledge

Title
Performance 1:1s Overview
Article Text
This feature is only included in the Pro and Elite Packages.

How do I create and use 1:1s in Performance Management? 

Purpose: How to use the one-on-ones (1:1s) feature in BambooHR® Performance Management.

Expand AllCollapse All

Table of Contents

Would you like to watch a video about this topic?

1:1s overview

The 1:1s feature in BambooHR Performance Management allows managers to schedule and manage regular meetings with their direct reports. It provides a structured way to set agendas, track discussion points, and record past meetings.

The 1:1s feature enhances employee performance and engagement by facilitating regular, structured communication between managers and their direct reports. Regular 1:1 meetings help ensure that both parties align on expectations, progress, and any obstacles hindering performance. This alignment is crucial for employee development and can increase productivity and job satisfaction.

Set up 1:1s

To set up 1:1s, go to Settings > Performance > 1:1s. Toggle on Use 1:1s in Performance, and click Save. Then, go to your direct report's employee profile, select 1:1s under the Performance tab, and create your 1:1s schedule by setting the frequency, day, and agenda items.

Managers can click Set up 1:1s on their direct report's employee profile under the Performance tab. They should add the frequency, day of the week, and any recurring agenda items. Once finished, they can click Create 1:1s to save the 1:1s to the employee profile.

We prioritize privacy and ensure transparency between managers and their direct reports by restricting visibility exclusively to them. Account Owners and Full Admins do not have access to Performance 1:1 information beyond their own direct reports, even when previewing as a manager.

1:1s features

Once set up, 1:1s will show under the Performance tab on the employee profile.

  1. 1:1s: View the employee's current and past 1:1s under the Performance tab on the employee profile.
  2. Who sees 1:1s: Notes are only available to managers and direct reports. HR admins do not have direct access to 1:1 notes.
  3. 1:1s Frequency: The current frequency set for a specific employee's 1:1s
  4. Date of 1:1s Meeting: Details for the next 1:1 meeting, including the date, agenda items, and notes section.
  5. Agenda Items: This section lists current agenda items. Both managers and employees can add, edit, and reorder agenda items for upcoming meetings.
  6. Notes: This section includes 1:1 notes for both the manager and direct report. Each participant has their own notes section, with auto-save functionality and the ability to see when the other is typing.
  7. Private Notes: Managers and direct reports can create and view their own private notes by clicking Add Private Note
  8. Upcoming 1:1s: A dropdown menu of the upcoming 1:1s
  9. 1:1s Settings: Click on the gear icon to edit the 1:1 frequency, recurring agenda items, or cancel 1:1s for the direct report.

Direct reports can view all their past 1:1s, while managers can only see meetings with their current direct reports. If a direct report changes managers, the new manager will need to re-add the 1:1s from the employee's profile. The direct report will still be able to view all of their 1:1s history; however, the new manager will not be able to view any past content.

If an employee is rehired, their manager will need to re-add the 1:1s from the employee's profile. However, any historical data (meeting frequency, agenda items, notes) will be preserved.

1:1s email notifications

The 1:1s emails will remind managers and their direct reports of scheduled 1:1s including, agenda items, and a link to the 1:1s in their Performance tab.

1:1 introduction

When 1:1s are toggled on, an email notification will be sent to the direct report with a link to view 1:1 details from their employee profile.

Email notifications for direct reports

The day of the scheduled 1:1 a reminder email is sent to the employee which includes agenda items and a link to 1:1 notes.

If an employee does not have any items on their 1:1 agenda their email will only include the link to their 1:1 page in their Performance tab.

Email notifications for managers

The day of the scheduled 1:1 a reminder email is sent to the manager which includes agenda items and a link to 1:1 notes.

If a manager does not have any items on their 1:1 agenda their email will only include the link to the 1:1 page.

If a manager has multiple 1:1s scheduled for the same day, the notification will send a digest email with the agenda items of each 1:1.  

When a new manager takes over a direct report, the former manager loses access to the direct report's 1:1 information.

After this change, the former manager receives an email notification with a link to download a CSV file of the 1:1 notes (the download link expires in 30 days).

URL Name
1898823