Mark My Worth: A new series to help you navigate appraisal season

Over the next few weeks, Mint will bring you a special series—"Mark My Worth: Your Guide Through Appraisal Season"—to help you navigate this tricky period with clarity and confidence. Whether you're walking into your first review or managing a large team, this series is designed to equip you with practical insights and timely advice.

Scroll down for links to each part of our series.

If this is your first appraisal, look out for our tips on how to highlight your achievements without sounding boastful. Young managers will find insights on retaining key performers—even when not everyone can be rewarded equally. For those in leadership roles, we’ll offer strategies to manage the inevitable shifts in team dynamics after increment and promotion letters are rolled out.

So, what makes appraisal season in 2025 different? This year, uncertainty looms large. Geopolitical tensions, currency fluctuations, and volatile markets are all feeding into a sense of caution across the board. Companies are tightening their budgets, delaying bold moves, and choosing to watch from the sidelines rather than making aggressive talent bets.

Consultants estimate that India Inc is likely to roll out average salary hikes of 8.8% to 9.4%, with top performers earning nearly twice the average. But the bell curve is steepening, meaning many will find themselves in the safe but unremarkable “meets expectations" zone—good, but not great.

Read this | Big paydays for top talent in tech, consumer, lifesciences even as overall salary hikes moderate

That’s made the race to the top of the performance chart even more intense. A weak job market may reduce attrition overall, but top performers are still quietly scanning the horizon for better opportunities. And that’s the kind of churn no company wants—especially not in a year like this.

This is where our series steps in. It’s an opportunity to tilt the odds in your favour, to prepare smarter, and to present yourself in the best possible light.

Also read | A thank-you note for all the tough bosses who went unloved

Remember, during appraisal season, the employer is just as nervous as the employee. So good luck—and here’s hoping your report earns that well-deserved gold star.

Read this | Returning from a career break? Employers may bet on you in a slow job market

Read the stories in our special series here:

Part 1: Appraisal and the art of Atmanirbhar Branding

Part 2: Rulebook on how to choose one high performer over another and retain both

Part 3: How to deal with the dreaded Meets Expectations rating

Part 4: With a productivity uptick, it’s time to ask for that promotion