HR Basics is a series of short courses, designed to highlight what you need to know about a particular human resource management topic. In today’s HR Basics, we explore performance improvement plans, discussing best practices for both process and management.

A performance improvement plan (PIP) is a great way to give struggling employees the opportunity to succeed while still holding them accountable for past performance.

There may come a time when an employee’s performance is not meeting expectations. When performance is lacking, a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) can provide a helpful step in the coaching and counseling process. A performance improvement plan is a critical tool and process for managing employee performance. Performance Management refers to the processes to ensure the organization connects mission with the work of employees.

The success of a performance improvement plan depends on effective process and management. Process refers to the appropriate steps to design and execute a performance improvement plan. Management refers to the planning, leadership and direction provided by a supervisor through the process.

Careful planning through the performance improvement process coupled with sound management practices – especially in documentation and feedback – create the best possibilities for improved employee performance.