🎯 Bulk Importing Objectives into Zest
Bulk importing objectives allows you to quickly upload individual or collective objectives for your entire organization when first using Zest, with the goal of evaluating past objectives during performance reviews.
It is the most efficient method to initialize a review campaign, update existing objectives, or deploy a new management-by-objectives framework (OKR, SMART, etc.).
1️⃣ How to Request an Objectives Import?
Objectives import is not available as self-service.
To request it, you must contact:
Once the file is received, the technical team will proceed with the objectives import as quickly as possible.
2️⃣ Download the Import File (Official Template)
You must use the template file provided by Zest, available as an attachment in your project space:
📄 Zest – Objectives Import – Template & Instructions – v2.0.xlsx
This file contains:
- detailed instructions for each column,
- required formats,
- an example of properly structured objectives.
⚠️ Using any other template may result in the import being rejected.
3️⃣ Structure of the Import File
| Column | Description | Required | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| userId / email | Employee identifier | ✔️ | Must match an existing user |
| objectifId | Unique identifier (if updating) | optional | Leave blank for creation |
| titreObjectif | Short, clear title | ✔️ | Visible to employee and manager |
| description | Details and success criteria | optional | No length limit |
| type | individual / collective / manager | ✔️ | Required for campaign consistency |
| categorie | Objective category | optional | e.g., Performance, Development… |
| poids | Weight (%) | optional | Numeric value |
| dateDebut | Format YYYY-MM-DD | ✔️ | Strict English format required |
| dateFin | Format YYYY-MM-DD | ✔️ | Strict English format required |
| statut | draft / published | ✔️ | “published” = immediately visible |
| progression | Numeric indicator | optional | 0–100 or empty |
| managerId | Responsible manager | recommended | Email or userId |
4️⃣ Essential Rules for a Successful Import
✔️ Exact Match with Your Users
The identifier (email or userId) must be exactly the same as in your Zest database.
✔️ Mandatory Dates in English Format
→ YYYY-MM-DD
Any deviation will block the import (per Zest date format rules, consistent with user files and SFTP).
✔️ No Duplicate objectifId
If left blank → objective is created.
If an existing ID is provided → objective is updated.
✔️ One Objective = One Row
Even if several employees share the same collective objective, the row must be repeated for each employee (standard Zest structure).
✔️ Hierarchical Consistency
If you provide a managerId, it must:
- exist in Zest,
- be spelled correctly.
5️⃣ How to Import Your File?
Once the file is completed:
- Send it to your CSM or directly to
- The file is checked (quality, formats, consistency).
- The technical team performs the import into your Zest space.
- A report is sent to confirm:
- objectives created
- objectives updated
- any errors detected
👉 This process is identical to skills import or the initial SmartOrg import: quality control is systematic.
6️⃣ Example Use Case
🌟 Deployment of a First Annual Review Cycle
- Bulk creation of performance objectives for each employee
- Import of managerial objectives for all managers
- Automatic publication of objectives in the Perform campaign