What is very likely to be found in an employee's personnel file?

The personnel file of an employee typically contains documents related to their employment and job performance. Among these, the employee's performance review is a standard inclusion, as performance reviews are essential for tracking an employee's progress, setting goals, and evaluating their work-related achievements. These reviews often play a critical role in decisions regarding promotions, raises, and continued employment.

The I-9 form, which verifies the employee's eligibility to work in the U.S., and the W-4 form, which determines tax withholding, are also important documents but are not typically classified as part of the personnel file focused on performance evaluation. Medical records, while they may be kept in a separate confidential file due to privacy laws (like HIPAA), are not generally included in standard personnel files.

Including performance reviews in personnel files ensures a comprehensive understanding of the employee's contributions and development within the organization, making it a critical component of employee documentation.