A performance improvement plan is a written document that outlines an employee’s areas of weakness and suggestions for improvement. For example, the employee’s deficiencies in skills or training may be listed in the performance action plan. Conversely, it might outline the manner in which the staff member must modify his conduct. The PIP will specify precisely what the employee must do to achieve the required improvements in both scenarios.
The employee’s manager drafts and submits an employee performance improvement plan to HR. It has a deadline, typically 30, 60, or 90 days, for achieving the stated goals. It also outlines the repercussions in the event that the worker’s performance does not improve. Click here to learn more about Guide to Beating Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) today!
How can you write a performance improvement plan?
- Establish what constitutes appropriate performance.
Indicate what constitutes appropriate performance and contrast it with the work that your employee is currently delivering. Provide particular examples of the employee’s performance and behavior, along with the areas in which they are lacking.
Rather than giving a PIP to a worker without warning, schedule a meeting in advance to talk about performance concerns. Everyone involved (manager, HR, and employee) ought to be given the opportunity to offer suggestions. The employee should feel motivated and dedicated to achieving goals.
- Establish quantifiable goals.
Establish the goals that your employee must achieve using the SMART framework. Decide on your success criteria.
It would help if you determined whether a PIP is worthwhile. Look into the reason for the subpar performance. The worker may be feeling overburdened by work expectations, or he may be coping with personal issues that you are not aware of. On the other hand, the worker may be disinterested in sticking around your business in the long run.
- Specify the kind of assistance the worker will get.
Indicate how the employee’s manager will assist him in achieving the PIP target. This can entail hiring more resources, providing coaching, or receiving training.
A PIP’s primary goal is to support an employee’s development so you can retain him on the team. Instead of assuming he can accomplish the plans on his own, think about what he could be missing from you that could improve his performance.
- Create a check-in schedule.
Indicate the frequency of your meetings with staff members to give them feedback. Make a check-in calendar.
It is useless to create a PIP and then wait until the last minute to evaluate the worker’s performance. The employee will be able to share any questions or concerns during routine check-ins. They will also enable you to verify whether he is headed in the right direction or whether more action is required.