A leaked document reveals how ByteDance evaluates TikTok employees through an intricate system called "ByteStyle," which assesses their performance twice a year. The evaluation process categorizes employees into eight levels, ranging from outstanding to failed. Employees receiving lower ratings may face a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) or severance offers. This article delves into the criteria used in these reviews, including output quality, adherence to leadership principles, and cultural values like courage and transparency. It highlights the pressure within TikTok’s US offices due to organizational changes and external political challenges.

Comprehensive Insights into TikTok's Evaluation Framework

In the bustling tech world of 2025, a confidential ByteDance document has surfaced, offering unprecedented insight into TikTok's employee assessment methodology. The evaluations occur biannually and utilize eight distinct categories to grade staff members. These categories span from exceptional contributions to significant failures. If an employee falls short, they might be placed on a PIP or offered severance. Four current and former employees confirmed this scoring framework, emphasizing its consistency across both Asian and American offices.

The rubric focuses on three core aspects: productivity outcomes, leadership qualities, and ByteStyles—a set of workplace ethics defining corporate culture. For instance, ByteStyles encourage openness, bravery, and treating every day as if it were the first day at work. A detailed rating scale available to employees in Asia outlines specific expectations for each category. Global employees noted that these individual ratings amalgamate into an overall performance score.

Lower scores significantly impact employees' career trajectories. Following directives last year to distribute more negative reviews, performance assessments became a source of stress. Scores such as "Meet Expectations-" or "Improvement Needed" could trigger PIPs, which insiders claim are nearly impossible to complete successfully. Increased pressure to meet evolving goals amidst organizational restructuring has led to heightened stress levels among US-based employees, resulting in burnout and requests for mental health leave.

From a journalistic perspective, this revelation underscores the complexities inherent in modern corporate cultures, especially in high-profile companies like TikTok. The stringent evaluation methods highlight the delicate balance between maintaining high standards and ensuring employee well-being. It prompts reflection on whether such rigorous systems genuinely enhance productivity or merely exacerbate workplace anxiety. As we continue to observe these dynamics, it becomes crucial to advocate for balanced approaches that prioritize both excellence and empathy in professional environments.