What does it mean when you are put on a performance improvement plan?

Table of Contents

A performance improvement plan is a formal document stating any recurring performance issues along with goals that an employee needs to achieve in order to regain good standing at the company (usually with a specific timeline to complete the plan).

What to do if you get put on a performance improvement plan?

How to Respond to a Performance Improvement Plan

Decide if it’s worth the battle. When you’re put on a performance improvement plan, put emotions aside and decide whether you want to keep the job.
Double your time commitment.
Ask for help.
Have a good attitude.
Burn the Plan.

Does a performance improvement plan mean I’m getting fired?

Performance Improvement Plans (or PIPs) get a bad rap. And many people equate being put on one with being fired (which is only sometimes true). While the seriousness of them shouldn’t be ignored, if you are put on a PIP, know that all hope is not lost.

Does a pip mean you will be fired?

A PIP is often the start of paperwork that will eventually result in employment termination. That should not be the goal of the PIP although it is suspected, in many organizations, that it is—which is why being placed on or a PIP has such a negative impact on employees.

Do employees survive a pip?

Not necessarily. People do complete PIPs and go on to become successful employees at the company where they completed it. But unfortunately, it isn’t a common practice for employers to keep data on what percentage of employees successfully turn around their performance.

When should a pip be used?

A PIP should be used when there is a commitment to help the employee improve, not as a way for a frustrated manager to start the termination process. Used as the latter, it’s nothing more than a document trail that should already exist, and it signifies to all employees that no such help is available.

Can you survive PIP?

How do I cope with PIP?

Here are eight steps you can take to respond to a performance improvement plan and fulfill its requirements:

Have a positive attitude.
Take responsibility.
Request extra time.
Ask for help.
Double your effort.
Check in regularly.
Talk with your team.
Set your own goals.

Is a pip a written warning?

The next escalation is usually a written warning, signed off on by the employee. This is also the point at which you may want to consider a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), which is essentially a formalized action plan for employee improvement.

Can you survive a performance improvement plan?

How long should a pip last?

PIPs usually last 30, 60 or 90 days, depending on how long it would reasonably take to improve the specific issue.

Is performance improvement plan bad?

The PIP’s downside is its bad reputation, so you may want to consider that when you decide how to talk to your employee about their PIP. Most workers see PIPs as part of the termination process, and they tend to be right, the result often is termination, transfer, or demotion.