Performance Evaluation

[LesTrot]

What is the name of your state? Virginia, I work in District of Columbia.

I recently received a performance evaluation that was much lower than what I had received in previous years. It is not clear to me why the evaluation is so much lower than in the past.

As a rule, my employer asks all employees to sign and return their evaluations after discussion with their supervisors. There is a short period of time in which to do this.

My question is this. Can I refuse to sign my evaluation until I have had time to investigate why my evaluation was lowered or should I just sign and return it. This is important because evaluations are linked to compensation. I am getting close to retirement and our pension benefit is tied to compensation during the last three years of service. I am concerned that if I sign the evaluation, it will go into my file and I may lose forever any chance to challenge the rating.

Thanks for any help or thoughts,

Les

 

[cbg]

Semantic hair splitting:

CAN you refuse to sign? Yes, you can, in the sense that no one is holding a gun to your head.

Is it a good idea? You're the only one who can decide that; however, be advised that if they choose to call it insubordination and fire you for it, it's legal.

Signing does not signify that you agree with the evaluation; it signifies that you have been told of the contents.