A small, family-owned transportation business is experiencing financial difficulties. Last year's revenue was much lower than expected, so the business is beginning to reduce its expenses. The business usually leases specialized equipment for all employees to make complicated transports more efficient, and these
make up about a quarter of each employee's transports. This year, only half of the employees will have access to this equipment. The couple that owns the business has several relatives working for the business, all of whom are given access to the specialized equipment. Other employees at the business have made anonymous complaints to the business's HR manager about this situation. They are concerned the lack of access to equipment will negatively affect their performance ratings. Supervisors make these ratings on several performance dimensions, including speed and quality of the transports as well as customer service. The ratings inform promotions and pay raises. Employees are also spreading rumors that the business will begin laying off employees soon and the relatives of the owners will be protected from losing their jobs. All these issues are leading to low employee engagement and morale. The HR manager, who is not related to the owners, needs to address the issues.
Which action should the HR manager take to ensure performance ratings are made fairly for all employees during upcoming performance reviews?