--- title: What Can Halloween Teach Us About Employee Reviews? description: What Can Halloween Teach Us About Employee Reviews? --- [![Goosman Lawfirm](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Goosmannlaw%20October2017/images/Goosmann_Law_Firm_logo_4C-white.png?width=1250&name=Goosmann_Law_Firm_logo_4C-white.png "Goosman Lawfirm")](http://goosmannlaw.com/) - [COVID-19 Toolbox](https://goosmannlaw.com/covid-19-resource-toolbox/) - Our Team - [Attorneys](https://goosmannlaw.com/attorneys/) - [Non-Attorney Staff](https://http://goosmannlaw.com/non-attorney-staff/) - Practices & Industries - [Practices](https://goosmannlaw.com/practices/) - [Banking & Finance](https://goosmannlaw.com/banking-finance/) - [Bankruptcy, Restructuring & Workouts](https://goosmannlaw.com/bankruptcy-restructuring-workouts/) - [Business](https://goosmannlaw.com/business/) - [Divorce & Family Law](https://goosmannlaw.com/divorce-family-law/) - [Employment](https://goosmannlaw.com/employment-law/) - [Environmental, Health & Safety](https://goosmannlaw.com/health-safety/) - [Estate Planning](https://trustlawcounsel.com) - [Gestational Surrogacy & Adoption](https://goosmannlaw.com/gestational-surrogacy-adoption/) - [International Law](http://goosmannlaw.com/international-law/) - [Litigation / Trial Law](https://goosmannlaw.com/litigation-trial-law/) - [Local Counsel](https://http://goosmannlaw.com/local-counsel/) - [Mergers & Acquisitions](https://goosmannlaw.com/mergers-acquisitions/) - [Rapid Response](https://goosmannlaw.com/rapid-response/) - [Industries](https://goosmannlaw.com/industries/) - [Agribusiness & Cooperatives](https://goosmannlaw.com/agribusiness-cooperatives/) - [Construction](https://goosmannlaw.com/construction/) - [Cyber Law and Telecommunications](https://goosmannlaw.com/cyber-law/) - [Education](https://goosmannlaw.com/education/) - [Health Care](https://goosmannlaw.com/health-care/) - [Manufacturing](https://goosmannlaw.com/manufacturing-law/) - [Multifamily Housing](https://goosmannlaw.com/multifamily-housing-law/) - [Non-Profit & Tax Exempt Organizations](https://goosmannlaw.com/non-profit-law/) - [Real Estate](https://goosmannlaw.com/real-estate/) - [Transportation](https://goosmannlaw.com/transportation/) - [Tribal](https://goosmannlaw.com/tribal/) - Our Firm - [Firm News](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/firm-news) - Careers - [Attorneys](https://goosmannlaw.com/careers/attorneys/) - [Administration](https://goosmannlaw.com/careers/administration/) - [Internships](https://goosmannlaw.com/careers/internships/) - [Client Testimonials and Results](https://goosmannlaw.com/our-firm/client-testimonials-and-results/) - [Culture, Diversity, and Community](https://http://goosmannlaw.com/our-firm/culture-diversity-and-community/) - [Women-Owned Business](https://goosmannlaw.com/our-firm/women-owned-business/) - [Associations & Memberships](https://goosmannlaw.com/associations-memberships/) - [Firm History](https://goosmannlaw.com/firm-history/) - Blogs - [CEO Law Review](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/ceo-on-your-side) - [Construction Lawyer](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/construction-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Cyber Lawyer](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Deal Maker](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/deal-maker-on-your-side) - [Divorce Docket](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Food for Thought](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/agricultural-lawyer-on-your-side) - [HR Legal Insider](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side) - [Law Doc](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/health-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Paralegal Review](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/paralegal-review/) - [Real Estate Lawyer](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/real-estate-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Risky Business](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/risk-manager-on-your-side) - [The Banker’s Suit](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/banking-lawyer-on-you-side) - [Trial Law Review](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/trial-lawyer-on-you-side) - [Trust Law Counsel](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side) - Resources - [COVID-19 Resource Toolbox](https://goosmannlaw.com/covid-19-resource-toolbox/) - [Podcast](http://podcast.goosmannlaw.com/) - [Videos](https://goosmannlaw.com/videos/) - [FREE eBooks & Tools](https://goosmannlaw.com/free-ebooks-tools/) - Contact Us - [Office Locations](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/) - [Sioux City Law Firm](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/sioux-city-law-firm/) - [Sioux Falls Law Firm](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/sioux-falls-law-firm/) - [Omaha Law Firm](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/omaha-law-firm/) - [Spirit Lake & Spencer Law Firms](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/spirit-lake-and-spencer-law-firm/) - [Real Estate Closings Office](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/real-estate-closing-office/) - [Submit a Testimonial](https://goosmannlaw.com/submit-a-testimonial/) - [Sign Up for Our Newsletter](https://goosmannlaw.com/sign-up-for-our-newsletter/) - [Pay Online](https://goosmannlaw.com/pay-online-3/) - [  (855) 843-4531](tel:855-843-4531) ![](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/Lockbox%20Lawyer/close-button.png) [tel:855-THE-GLF1](tel:855-THE-GLF1) [Human Resources](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/human-resources) [Employment News and Insights](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/employment-news-and-insights) # [What Can Halloween Teach Us About Employee Reviews?](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/can-halloween-teach-us-employee-reviews) By [Goosmann Law Team](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/author/goosmann-law-team)   |  31, October 2013 [READ NOW](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/can-halloween-teach-us-employee-reviews) [Read Post](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/can-halloween-teach-us-employee-reviews#article) [![](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Logo1.jpg?width=60&name=Logo1.jpg)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/author/goosmann-law-team) [Goosmann Law Team](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/author/goosmann-law-team)  Tags: [Human Resources](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/human-resources) [Employment News and Insights](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/employment-news-and-insights) October 31, 2013. No, I don’t mean how we can scare employees at their reviews. A recent story about what makes kids satisfied with the candy they receive on Halloween got me thinking about how employers may best leverage their periodic review meetings with employees. Hear or read the story [here](http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/10/31/241846607/why-are-kids-who-get-less-candy-happier-on-halloween). A research study tested what made kids happier when trick-or-treating on Halloween. One group of kids received a candy bar. The other group received a candy bar, and then a piece of bubble gum, in that order. Surprisingly, the children who received the candy bar and bubble gum were less satisfied than the group who received the candy bar alone. This was replicated in other studies (involving colonoscopies, of all things). Why? It has to do with the timing. When a desirable item is given, followed by a less desirable item, we tend to rate the whole experience on the basis of the trajectory of the experience, rather than the total of what we received. That is, if a kid is given a piece of bubble gum, followed by a candy bar, they would be more satisfied, because their experience improved, and they received the best item last. This theory can be applied in a variety of areas. Restaurants want you to save room for dessert. Retail stores could apply this as well; interactions with store clerks are often saved toward the end of a visit, after the shopper has time to browse. Why not apply this to improve your employee review meetings? **Agenda** Use this method to set your agenda in your meeting. Discuss overall performance, areas for improvement, and expectations for the future early in your meeting. Save the incentives for the end of the meeting. This may include examples of excellent work done on a particular project, appreciation for the employee’s attitude or methods, a bonus, a raise, or additional vacation time. However, consider the trajectory of the discussion about incentives. For instance, if you are providing the employee with a raise and additional vacation time, discuss the vacation time before the raise. The employee will rate the entire experience more positively, as his or her experience improved with time. This is helpful when an employee has some areas for improvement. To leave an employee with a renewed and inspired commitment to do excellent work for you, move the discussion about what he or she needs to improve toward the beginning of your conversation. Then discuss areas in which the employee is excelling. This leaves the employee more inspired and energized to perform for the next period. When all else fails, end with a candy bar! Click for more information on [employment law](http://www.goosmannlaw.com/practice-areas/employment-lawyers/), email [info@goosmannlaw.com](mailto:info@goosmannlaw.com) or call 712.226.4000. ### Select Different CTA for each Post from Blog Editor [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/489404/a8cefc17-3b9d-4de0-89cd-e60a64752422.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/489404/a8cefc17-3b9d-4de0-89cd-e60a64752422) ### Subscribe Our Blog Thanks for submission!! - Recent - Popular ### Posts by Topic - [Human Resources (100)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/human-resources) - [Employment News and Insights (63)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/employment-news-and-insights) - [HR Legal Insider (28)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/hr-legal-insider) - [Business News and Insights (9)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/business-news-and-insights) - [COVID-19 (9)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/covid-19) - [Employment Law (9)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/employment-law) - [Litigation & Trial (6)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/litigation-trial) - [Firm News (5)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/firm-news) - [Employment Litigation (3)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/employment-litigation) - [HR (3)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/hr) - [Non-Compete (3)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/non-compete) - [OSHA (3)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/osha) - [Vaccinations (3)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/vaccinations) - [Business Law (2)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/business-law) - [CEO (2)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/ceo) - [Divorce & Family Law (2)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/divorce-family-law) - [EEOC (2)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/eeoc) - [Employment Handbook (2)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/employment-handbook) - [Politics (2)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/politics) - [Social Media (2)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/social-media) - [tribal law (2)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/tribal-law) - [#MeToo (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/metoo) - [Agriculture (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/agriculture) - [Ban the Box (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/ban-the-box) - [Board of Directors (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/board-of-directors) - [Bullying in the Workplace (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/bullying-in-the-workplace) - [Corporate Law (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/corporate-law) - [Cyber Law (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/cyber-law) - [Employee Benefits (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/employee-benefits) - [Employee Exhaustion (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/employee-exhaustion) - [Employee Recruiting (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/employee-recruiting) - [Employee to Supervisor (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/employee-to-supervisor) - [FMLA (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/fmla) - [First Amendment (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/first-amendment) - [Health & Safety Law (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/health-safety-law) - [Human Resources Manager (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/human-resources-manager) - [Independent Contractor (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/independent-contractor) - [Non Profit (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/non-profit) - [Overtime Regulations (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/overtime-regulations) - [Performance Review (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/performance-review) - [Professional Communication (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/professional-communication) - [Safety Rules (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/safety-rules) - [Sexual Harassment (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/sexual-harassment) - [Shareholder Rights (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/shareholder-rights) - [Succession Plan (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/succession-plan) - [Title VII (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/title-vii) - [Trust Law Counsel (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/trust-law-counsel) - [cyber (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/cyber) - [hiring (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/hiring) - [minimum wage (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/minimum-wage) - [overtime (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/topic/overtime) DISCLAIMER: The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only, and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. By visiting this website, blog, or post you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Goosmann Law Firm attorneys and website publisher. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice from Goosmann Law Firm, PLC, or the individual author, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, this Post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction. #### Let Us Know What You Thought about this Post. Put your Comment Below. [Previous Post](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/letting-go-tips-terminating-long-term-employee) ##### [Letting Go: Tips for terminating a Long-Term Employee](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/letting-go-tips-terminating-long-term-employee) [Next Post](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/senate-poised-pass-employment-non-discrimination-act) ##### [Senate Poised To Pass Employment Non-Discrimination Act](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side/senate-poised-pass-employment-non-discrimination-act) ### Contact Info **Sioux City Location** P. 712-226-4000 F. (712) 224-4517 **Sioux Falls Location** P. (605) 371-2000 F. (605) 275-2039 **Omaha Location** P. (402) 280-7648 F. (402) 505-3967 --- [Disclaimer](http://goosmannlaw.com/list-all-blogs/disclaimer/) | [Privacy Policy](http://goosmannlaw.com/privacy-policy/) ### Locations **Sioux City Location** 410 5th Street Sioux City, IA 51101 **Sioux Falls Location** 5010 S. Minnesota Avenue, Suite 100 Sioux Falls, SD 57108 **Omaha Location** Advent Building 17838 Burke Street, Suite 250 Omaha, NE 68118 ![Goosmann](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/Lockbox%20Lawyer/goosmann-white.png?width=250&name=goosmann-white.png "Goosmann") Goosmann Law Firm is a FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM with locations in Sioux City, Iowa, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Omaha, Nebraska. Goosmann Law attorneys are licensed to practice in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota. Their attorney team's practices and industries include but are not limited to Agribusiness and Cooperatives, Banking and Finance, Bankruptcy, Restructuring and Workouts, Business, Construction, Cyber Law and Telecommunications, Divorce and Family Law, Education, Employment, Environmental Health and Safety, Gestational Surrogacy and Adoption, Health Care, Litigation and Trial Law, Manufacturing, Mergers and Acquisitions, Municipal, Nonprofit and Tax Exempt Organizations, Real Estate, and Transportation, Tribal, Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, and Probate Law. Goosmann © Copyright 2017