Guidance for Self-Evaluations and Performance Reviews

Remember: N/A is your friend

As Dow Jones departments and managers move ahead with year-end performance conversations, IAPE members are once again reaching out to the union office for guidance.

So, here’s our annual reminder: all IAPE-represented employees may decline self-assessments, self-ratings, and department feedback requests. Dow Jones has previously confirmed for IAPE that, “Employee self-reflection remains optional but strongly encouraged,” and that self-ratings are also optional.

Regarding evaluation forms with questions that appear to be mandatory—because employees are unable to advance to the next screen unless those questions are answered—we recommend typing “N/A.”

Or better yet, “My union advises me that self-evaluations are not required for IAPE-represented employees.”

Period.

As we have said in years past, if you want to rate yourself or offer comments about your achievements over the past year, feel free. Nobody will do a better job of singing your own praises than you. But beware: any critical notes you provide may be held against you in your manager’s final assessment of your performance.

If you have any questions or concerns about performance discussions with your manager, please let us know, or contact your local IAPE representative.