Password Protect Performance Review PDFs from Google Docs
Password protecting performance review PDFs from Google Docs ensures that sensitive evaluations reach only the intended employee or manager. Performance reviews often contain personal assessments, rating scores, and development feedback that employees expect to be private.
Restricting access during drafting
During the review drafting period, store performance review documents in a Google Drive folder with access limited to the HR business partner and the reviewing manager. The employee should not have access to the draft. Once finalized and approved, export and encrypt before sharing with the employee.
Encrypting and distributing reviews
Convert the finalized review to PDF with the Docs to PDF extension. Apply an open password with AES-256 encryption. Email the PDF to the employee and provide the password in a separate communication. Document the distribution date in your HR records.
Manager copies
If the manager also needs a copy, send them a separately encrypted version with a different password, or confirm they have access to the source document in Google Drive. Avoid sending multiple parties the same encrypted copy with the same password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should performance reviews be editable by the employee?
Generally no. Apply permissions restrictions to prevent editing in addition to the open password. The review is an official record and should remain in the form it was distributed.
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