unexpected performance review

[sparkles_95130]

I'm currently out on medical leave and was surprised to find out only yesterday my performance review was today via phone. I hadn't been given any notice, nor participated in the normal assessment tools one would enter into the system, but I was informed by the temp filling in for me that it was only to be a 5 min call.

On the call today my boss assured me this wouldn't be a formal review because of what I just stated but it turned into a 5 min review where I could give no input. Boss said I'd get a small raise but then launched into specific preferred ways of working with the temp and areas for my improvement. Specifically how the temp doesn't work overtime and how many long hours I worked (not addressing the temp isn't being asked to do everything I do). Then boss stated that because our team has expanded boss plans to keep the temp after my return and "we'll have work on/see how that will all work out." I am currently EA to the SVP and my background is working for C-level execs. Not sure if this means plans to demote me. Not sure if I can stay if it does as I will lose all credibility with my peers. This is from the boss who refers to me as “Assistant Extraordinaire” in both in internal and outside emails. Boss even has that listed as my job title in their contact files. Thinking I was doing well, I’d planned to ask to be re-leveled to a higher pay grade as job duties with new SVP are greatly different than before in same position when it was run by a VP.

I'm feeling very put off by the "meets expectations" review when I'm out sick due to flu turning into pneumonia as a direct result in lack of rest due to long hours at work. (I'm the 4th person out on med leave in past 8 months because of how hard boss drives people.) Boss even called and added to my workload forcing me to continue working when home sick before dr put me on offical leave.

Is it just me, or does it seems unfair to call me off-guard and state all my areas to improve without allowing me any rebuttal or statements to show what resulted in the long hours? I'm bit lost because instead of calling to say, you are getting a small raise (yay, 2 yrs w/o due to economy).  I’m left questioning if I have a job to return to and feeling cut out of a chance to have any voice in my review (my first with this new boss) and boss clearly thinking I’m inept in some areas, when in fact they likely don’t recall items like if you tell someone at 5pm they need to create a presentation for the CEO meeting at 9am – it means one must work late.

Any thoughts other than I look for a new job? I really like the company I work for and they have benefits with work perks not found in most companies. I'm just really sad.

[Cathy S]

I am guessing you are not UK based? in the UK calling you like that when you are signed off sick would be unacceptable.

Morally I consider the call unacceptable ... regardless of what employment law says.  However you try to you will struggle to set your concerns aside and concentrate fully on getting fit to return to work.  I would be cautious though about jumping to conclusions too quickly in the isolation of being at home.  Get yourself strong and well again and then return with an open mind ... don't forget in a phone call you are missing body language and you may be misinterpreting what your boss wanted to tell you.

Take care

Cathy

[msmarieh]

I would say this is not a formal performance review and I would be confirming with the bos that nothing will be put in your file until you have something in writing that you sign (and if ncessary include a statement of your own comments).

However, and I'm sorry, but your post is a little bit disjointed, what I take from that call is the potential for a positive - you were working a lot of overtime, you will have a temp to assist you when you return to the office. At this point in time, you don't have enough facts at your disposal to assume that they are replacing you with the temp.

Therefore, my advice is hope for the best, plan for the worst.

1) Worrying about this will not only do nothing to change the outcome, but it will potentially be detrimental to your health. So I strongly suggest you err on the side of optimism.

2) Since I am not a fool, and recognize that your instincts could in fact be correct, do what you CAN control - update your resume, touch base with your references just to say hello and refresh their memories of you. Scan the job ads just to see what is out there.

3) How long will it be before you anticipate returning to work?

If it is a relatively short time, I would not do anything until you return to the office. At that time, I would set up an appointment with the boss and explain that you felt rather blindsided by the performance review you received with no notice and no opportunity to give feedback and you would like to discuss it further.

If it is going to be a while before you return, I would write an email to the boss, and copy HR, explaining the above and detailing some questions and comments – in a non confrontational /non defensive way, simply explaining the facts such as giving examples of things you do that the temporary employee is not responsible for.

Finally, there is a distinct tone of fear and defensiveness in your post. This is entirely understandable, but I would suggest that you need to get your emotions under control, step back and evaluate the facts of what you know and don’t know, without assigning motives or assumptions on either side.

For example, did your boss ACTUALLY say that the temp is replacing you or are you ASSUMING this? Did your boss ONLY give you negative feedback or did he say some negative things sandwiched in with some positive things? The human mind tends to latch onto any negativity and forget the positive things that were said.

Good luck to you and please let us know how it goes. We are pulling for you and here to support you.

[gee4]

I totally understand how you feel and I do wonder if employers have any respect for their assistants at all.

I recently was asked by my boss to set my own objectives for the year and expected him to discuss them with me before they were submitted.  However that didn't happen and, like you, I have been left feeling not only disappointed but as if my role is not important enough to be discussed.

In a previous job I also had an impromptu review and was called to one of my boss's offices with hardly any notice whatsoever.

It does seem rather strange the the "temp" called to inform you of the review.  Why did he/she have your number?  Did you actually say you were well enough to take the call from your boss?

It's another one of those situations that make us wonder what is going on.  However like others have said, don't dwell on it too much, concentrate on getting well and once you are back to work have a chat with your boss about the review and any changes he is planning to make.

[sarahpierce]

I would call your HR department. As far as I know, while you are out on ANY sort of leave (medical or otherwise) you are OUT. That means you can't work, the boss is not allowed to call you for any reason, etc. You are considered "under the care of a doctor" until your doctor clears you to go back to work.

HR needs to let the boss know that he is putting the company at a liability (insurance, legal and otherwise) by calling you.  Most United States courts have found timings of demotions and/or firings after a leave to be VERY INTERESTING for workers and VERY EXPENSIVE for companies.

Your performance review should not have happened until you had cleared to return to work with no restrictions by your doctor.

Good luck!

[peaches2160]

Wait until you return to work and are recuperated.  Schedule time with your boss for a formal review.  Be prepared with goals and objectives and suggestions you see for improving the work environment, processes, etc.  Also, have an outline of what you envision for the temp to be assigned to.  This may have been their way of getting you help to relieve you of the stress and overtime you have been experiencing.  What is the temp responsible for now in your absence?  Keep her on those tasks and get involved in more challenging projects for your boss.  I think this may prove to your advantage, as a way to off load some of the routine tasks that take up your day and provide you with time for expanding your skillset with more rewarding assignments.

[peaches2160]

Wondering what the outcome was with this situation.  Any update?