Included is a sample Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) and access to its corresponding template. The purpose of a PIP is to help employees who are not meeting job performance goals. A PIP covers specific areas of performance deficiencies, identifies skills or training gaps and sets clear expectations for an employee’s future performance. 

Performance Improvement Plans are not meant to be punitive or as part of a progressive employee discipline system. However, the PIP is usually established after an employee has already received intense coaching, development, and/or communication pertaining to specific areas of performance and has yet to demonstrate improvement in those areas. The PIP therefore serves as a last attempt at improving employee performance, in which the employee is ultimately responsible for his/her/their own success.

Under healthy work conditions and with the proper support and enabling structures provided by the direct manager/supervisor, the employee should be able to effectively demonstrate his/her/their ability to meet the requirements of the Performance Improvement Plan.