Performance Appraisals: Alaska
Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.
Author: Gloria Ju
Summary
- Private employers are not statutorily required to create position descriptions or written performance evaluations, but public employers are. However, any performance-related records that a public or private employer creates must be maintained in accordance with the Alaska Human Rights Law (AHRL). See Clarifying Employee and Employer Expectations; see Documenting Performance Reviews.
- Employees have a right to inspect and make copies of performance evaluations and other personnel information. See Documenting Performance Reviews; Access to Personnel Files.
- Employers could be found liable for discriminatory performance appraisals under the AHRL, which provides broader coverage than federal law. See Performance Appraisals and Discrimination.
- Alaska law prohibits defamatory words spoken of one in his or her employment. See Employer Liability Regarding Performance Appraisals; Defamation.
- Employers that provide references in good faith about a current or former employee's job performance are protected from liability under Alaska's reference immunity law. See Employer Liability Regarding Performance Appraisals; Reference Checks.
- The Alaska Supreme Court recognizes claims of negligent hiring and negligent retention. See Negligent Retention.