Performance Appraisals: Washington
Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.
Author: Jessica Sussman
Summary
- Defamation claims often arise in the employment context, often when negative evaluations or job references have been provided by an employer. See Employer Liability Regarding Performance Appraisals.
- Employees who believe they have suffered as a result of an employment decision often include a claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress. See Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress.
- Employers in Washington enjoy job reference immunity in limited circumstances. See Job Reference Immunity Under Washington Law.
- Washington employers should be aware of state antidiscrimination laws with respect to performance appraisals. For example, the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act prohibits employers from paying female employees a lower wage than similarly situated male employees. See Performance Appraisals and Discrimination; Equal Pay Act.
- Washington law prohibits retaliation against employees who engage in protected activities. See Performance Appraisals and Retaliation.
- Washington law recognizes a claim for negligent retention. See Negligent Retention.