Guidance For Performance Reviews

As Dow Jones departments and managers move ahead with year-end performance conversations, IAPE members are reaching out to the union office for guidance. Colleagues across departments have raised an array of questions with IAPE.

Members in News have been surprised to learn the new system asks for a self-rating, a feature that has long been present for non-News personnel. And members in all departments have raised eyebrows at requests for feedback about the performance of colleagues.

We’re reaching out today with this reminder: all IAPE-represented employees may decline self-assessments, self-ratings, and department feedback requests. Dow Jones has confirmed for IAPE that, “Employee self-reflection remains optional but strongly encouraged,” and that self-ratings are also optional.

As we have said before, 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.