Refusing to sign your annual review: 5 tips for a smart response

1. Take a step back and understand what’s at stake

Every year, more and more employees find themselves facing a dilemma: refusing to sign their annual review summary. While this decision might seem harmless at first, it actually carries significant professional and legal implications. It should be approached thoughtfully. Let’s first clear up a common misconception: the annual review is not legally required by the Labor Code, unless stipulated by a collective agreement or internal policy. However, the professional development meeting, held every two years, is mandatory and focuses on the employee’s career path. Signing an annual review summary does not constitute contractual agreement: it simply confirms that the employee has read the document. Refusing to sign is therefore a right, as long as it’s part of a constructive approach rather than a blanket rejection of dialogue. HR teams play a key role in ensuring that the process is fair. A balanced and objective review document is crucial to fostering transparency and neutrality. Technology can be very helpful here: several tools now allow continuous and precise performance tracking to reduce discrepancies in perception.

2. Understand the legal and HR basis for refusal

Refusing to sign your annual review is not a decision to take lightly. Your choice should be based on clear, verifiable, and mutually understandable reasons. From a legal perspective, the signature doesn’t affect your future in the company. However, not contesting the document may be interpreted as tacit approval. This is why it’s advisable to express your objections formally if necessary.

Clarify the source of the disagreement

Before taking action, go through the document item by item: – Are there any inaccuracies (such as unacknowledged achievements or incorrect results)? – Are there judgments made without context or evidence? – Have key accomplishments or projects been omitted? A good practice is to annotate the document directly with your comments or attach a written response. This shows a willingness to engage, rather than disrupting the process.

Keep records throughout the year

Your disagreement will be more understandable if it’s based on facts. To support your position: ✔️ Archive your correspondence with your manager (emails, status updates, feedback on deliverables).

✔️ Use any HR tools available in your company (performance dashboards, objective tracking apps).

✔️ Keep a log of your achievements throughout the year. This will be useful for self-evaluation. Being proactive like this also helps prevent misunderstandings during the final meeting. 

3. Handle the disagreement with diplomacy and strategy

Refusing to sign doesn’t have to create unnecessary tension. If managed properly, this situation can even improve the quality of communication between employee and manager.

Be open to discussion

Expressing a disagreement diplomatically demonstrates your engagement. It shows you take your performance seriously and are seeking a fair, fact-based evaluation. ➡️ Share your disagreement in a follow-up meeting or in writing (email or letter), avoiding personal interpretations. Example: “Regarding objective X, I notice a difference in evaluation. Here are the points that I believe are relevant […]”.

Encourage better management practices

Constructive feedback can fuel continuous improvement of HR processes: – It pushes the company to make evaluations more objective. – It can lead to adoption of collaborative tools. – It builds trust and fairness in assessment procedures. Practices like 360° feedback or continuous evaluation can significantly enhance perceptions of fairness in the workplace.

Protect future opportunities

An inaccurate review summary can affect much more than the present moment. It can influence: – Future raise, training, or mobility requests, – Strategic decisions (workforce planning, reorganizations), – How other managers perceive your professionalism. That’s why it’s important to express your concerns clearly and in a timely manner. Use a formal format (registered letter or email with read receipt), and rely on facts, not emotion.

4. What to do (and avoid doing)

Best practices to follow

A structured approach is your best ally to turn disagreement into a constructive step: ✔️ Review your objectives and success indicators before the review.

✔️ Gather any positive feedback received throughout the year.

✔️ Prepare a fact-based argument (not emotional), including comparisons if needed.

✔️ Write a clear, concise summary of your perspective. Don’t let vague wording become official: a note saying “read but not approved,” alongside a formal letter, is often enough to explain your position professionally and keep the process intact.

Common mistakes to avoid

Some reactions can unfortunately backfire:
🚫 Speaking emotionally or in the heat of the moment.

🚫 Skipping the review or signing too quickly just to get it over with.

🚫 Framing the issue as a personal criticism of the manager.

🚫 Avoiding the review process entirely, especially where it’s mandatory (e.g., in the public sector). Remember: your goal isn’t to be right at all costs, but to ensure mutual understanding. Staying calm and cooperative will always serve your professional credibility.

5. Want to go further? A quick guide in case of disagreement

Here are the steps to follow if you want to formally contest the review summary:
1. Don’t sign right away if the content doesn’t sit well with you. Take time to carefully re-read and identify the problematic areas.
2. Write a simple, structured message: – Start with a respectful introduction (“Following our meeting…”), – List the specific points of disagreement, – Include supporting evidence (performance data, documents, etc.), – Suggest a friendly follow-up or solution.
3. Send it via your professional email or by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt if the situation is sensitive.
4. Request a follow-up discussion: a second meeting, an HR-led session, or the involvement of a neutral third party depending on your company’s practices.
5. Consult staff representatives if you’re unsure about your rights or the possible consequences. 

Key takeaways

Refusing to sign your annual review is entirely legal, but should be done thoughtfully. The key is to maintain a professional, transparent, and fact-driven stance to avoid misunderstandings. ➡️ A well-communicated disagreement can promote transparency, improve evaluation standards, and protect your professional future. ➡️ Plenty of tools can help you track your performance and support meaningful discussions year-round. Explore our HR solutions for reviews and feedback.

FAQ: everything you need to know about refusing to sign

Is signing the annual review mandatory?

No. It is not required by law unless stated in a collective agreement. It merely acknowledges receipt, not agreement.

Can I be penalized for refusing to sign?

No. As long as your refusal is justified and clearly communicated, it does not constitute misconduct.

What if the review contains mistakes?

You can request corrections, suggest an amended version, or note your objections in a letter or directly on the document.

How can I express disagreement professionally?

Be factual, specific, and polite. Point out the issues, provide evidence, and suggest a constructive follow-up if necessary.

Are there alternatives to outright refusal?

Yes. You can write “read but not approved” by hand, attach a note to the document, or request a follow-up meeting.

How can I prepare ahead of time?

Keep track of your accomplishments, prepare seriously for the review, and stay in regular contact with your manager throughout the year.