Electronic signatures add legal validity and clarity to performance action plans. In this article, you’ll learn how to require electronic signatures in action plans, how the signing process works, and where to find the final signed document.
Overview
The electronic signature feature allows managers and employees to formally sign performance action plans once they are completed. When enabled, the action plan is automatically converted into a PDF and sent for electronic signature via Signaturit, ensuring legal compliance and proper record-keeping.
When and why it should be used
You should use electronic signatures in performance action plans when:
- Your company operates in countries where a signed action plan is a legal requirement (for example, France).
- You need an official, auditable end to the performance review process.
- You want a signed document that can be downloaded, printed, or stored for compliance and HR records.
This feature helps ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance while meeting employee and manager expectations.
How to use
- In your Sidebar, go to Performance > Reviews.
- Open a draft or active performance review.
- In the review settings, enable the Require electronic signature toggle.
- Start the Action Plan as part of the performance review.
- Add comments, action items, and a conclusion.
- Both the manager and the employee submit the action plan.
- Once the last person submits it, a PDF is automatically generated.
- Both parties receive a request to electronically sign the document in Signaturit.
- After both signatures are completed, the signed PDF is automatically stored in the employee’s documents under the Performance reviews folder.
If the electronic signature process doesn’t start, make sure the Require electronic signature toggle is enabled in the performance review settings and check that both parties have submitted the action plan.
If a user hasn’t received the signature request, ask them to check their spam or junk email folder and confirm that their email address is correct in Factorial.
If the signed document can’t be found, make sure you have the right access permissions to the employee's documents.
Tips and Best Practices
- Enable the Require electronic signature setting before launching the action plan to avoid delays later.
- Make sure all comments and action items are final before submitting, as changes are not possible once the signing process starts.
- Inform employees and managers in advance that they will receive a signature request by email from Signaturit.
FAQ
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Is the electronic signature legally valid?
Yes. Action plans are signed through Signaturit, which provides legally compliant electronic signatures in supported countries. Legal validity may vary by country—consult your legal team if needed.
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Can we edit the action plan after it’s signed?
No. Once the document is signed by both parties, it is finalized and cannot be edited.
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Can only one party sign the action plan?
No. Both the manager and the employee must sign for the process to be completed.