Hello

Is there any way that I can avoid Performance Reviews? The reviews do not lead to a pay rises and are generally based on how much you are liked by your colleagues rather than how well you perform (or are allowed to perform) your work.

These reviews have caused me a great deal of stress and I do not want to participate in any more reviews. The reviews are used by the employer to ensure that you do not get a pay rise. The only way I can get a pay rise is to leave the company.

You are misguided if you think that performance reviews are only to indicate how well you get along with your colleagues. They are part of any job and are to indicate to your employer how well you know your work and your ability to get ahead in your particular area.

If your employer feels you are doing well enough, then you do get an increase, maybe not at that particular time but somewhere down the line. Performance reviews are not all one sided though, they are in place so that you can put your viewpoint ahead and I think this would indicate your interest in your job.

If you feel you are in a dead end job, and by your post it sounds like you are stuck in a rut, then you had better find other employment if you are not happy there.