HHS staff push back on new performance review rules amid post-DOGE layoffs

Federal employees at the Department of Health and Human Services are being asked to submit lengthy self-assessments as part of a revised annual performance review system.

The change follows guidance from the Trump administration to "calibrate" ratings so that high scores are more meaningful and to ensure consistency across agencies.

Workers, still reeling from layoffs during the DOGE era, view the new requirement with suspicion, fearing it could be used to cut pay or force out staff.

The administration says the measure is necessary for credible evaluations, but federal health employees told STAT the policy adds to existing tension and morale concerns.