518-373-4111
A performance improvement plan (PIP) is a tool that employers can use to help underperforming employees succeed in the organization. The plan allows you to specify the company’s expectations with respect to employee performance and behavior and to define what success looks like going forward.
The plan itself can be detailed on a single-page form. In the document you will want to note the basic performance issue (e.g. efficiency, attendance), list examples of the employee’s performance deficiencies, and then state what actions you expect from the employee, how they should be accomplished, and in what timeframe they need to be completed. It is recommended that the plan also make it clear what the consequences will be for failing to meet and sustain improved performance.
As you do with every step of this process, document the meeting in which the performance improvement plan is implemented. You may also want to note that the PIP is not intended to be an employment contract or guarantee of continuing employment.
The PIP also provides for follow-up meetings to discuss the employee’s progress. Upon the conclusion of the performance improvement plan, the company will make a decision as to the employee’s continued employment. We generally recommend that the life of the plan be two to three months. We also recommend either weekly or bi-weekly progress meetings with the employee.
If the employee continues to underperform or fails to sustain improved performance, you may need to move on to termination. In this case, you will have the documentation to demonstrate that you gave them a chance to improve. This record will make it more difficult for the employee to challenge the reason for a termination.
For your convenience, we have a sample performance improvement plan document that you can download here.
For more information on how GTM helps clients of all sizes with HR issues like this, contact us at (518) 373-4111.
