Performance Improvement Plan - PIP

27 Jan, 2026

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Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) is a formal document that outlines specific performance deficiencies, sets clear improvement goals, and establishes a timeline for an employee to meet expected performance standards. This structured approach helps underperforming employees understand areas needing improvement and provides support to help them succeed. A PIP includes measurable objectives, actionable steps, resources provided, regular check-ins, and consequences if improvement targets are not met.

What is Performance Improvement Plan

A Performance Improvement Plan is a corrective tool HR uses to address employee underperformance through structured intervention. When an employee consistently fails to meet job expectations, a PIP documents specific issues, sets clear improvement benchmarks, and provides a defined timeframe—typically 30, 60, or 90 days—for achieving required standards. For HR professionals, PIPs matter because they demonstrate fair employment practices, provide legal documentation of performance issues, and offer employees a genuine opportunity to improve before termination. PIPs protect both the organization and employee by creating transparency around expectations and consequences while supporting professional development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Identify specific performance gaps, set measurable goals, define timeline and support resources, schedule regular reviews, and document expectations and consequences clearly.

Request a meeting with HR or management, present evidence of your performance, seek clarification on expectations, and document all discussions formally.

Performance management systems track metrics objectively, provide historical data, enable consistent monitoring, automate reviews, and ensure standardized PIP implementation across the organization.

Acknowledge the PIP professionally, seek clarification on goals, request necessary support, create action steps, schedule regular check-ins, and document your progress consistently.

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