Performance improvement templates toolkit

What is a Performance Improvement Process?

A performance improvement plan (or PIP) is a formal process that is used to capture recurring performance or behavioural issues, and will include agreed targets/standards, the support that the employee may need to help achieve the identified improvement(s) required, and a deadline for review.

A performance improvement process should be a collaborative and supportive process, with clear and measurable goals and objectives. Employers must ensure that the process is non-discriminatory and applied consistently and fairly across the organisation. The employee should be given appropriate support and resources, and the process should be properly documented and monitored.

Performance improvement templates are essential for managing a low-risk, compliant Performance improvement process.

Common mistakes

Understand the common mistakes employers can make when managing this area of HR, helping you reduce risk, prevent unnecessary costs and ensure the process is handled fairly, consistently and correctly.

• Calling something underperformance without evidence – Raising concerns without clear examples showing what standard has not been met.
• Setting unrealistic targets – Giving employees objectives that are unclear, unreasonable or outside their control.
• Failing to provide support – Expecting improvement without providing appropriate guidance, resources or training.
• Moving too quickly to formal action – Escalating performance concerns without giving the employee a reasonable opportunity to improve.
• Ignoring external factors – Failing to consider workload, resources, management or other factors affecting performance.
• Not documenting progress – Failing to record meetings, agreed actions and evidence of improvement.
• Changing the goalposts – Altering expectations during the process without properly explaining the change.
• Failing to review the plan – Setting a performance improvement plan but not holding meaningful review meetings.

What is a typical performance improvement process workflow?

Here we show you which resources to use to effectively improve the performance of an employee, taking into account the different decisions and directions that are likely / possible.

Following this flowchart will ensure that you factor in all eventualities, follow legal / code of conduct or best practice processes, communicate effectively, and reduce the risk of things going wrong.

FAQs

What is a performance improvement process?

A performance improvement process provides a structured way to address concerns about an employee's performance and give them an opportunity to improve.

Should an employee be told about performance concerns?

Yes. Employees should understand what standard is expected, where their performance is falling short and what improvement is required.

Should employers provide support?

Where appropriate, employers should consider reasonable support such as guidance, training, resources, supervision or clearer objectives.

What is a performance improvement plan?

A performance improvement plan sets out the areas requiring improvement, expected standards, support, review dates and potential consequences if improvement is not achieved.

Can poor performance ultimately lead to dismissal?

In some circumstances, continued failure to meet required standards may result in formal action and potentially dismissal. Employers should follow a fair process and consider the individual circumstances.

Why use HRDocBox to support performance improvement?

HRDocBox combines real-world HR experience, subject-matter expertise and commercial understanding to support effective performance improvement with practical, tried-and-tested resources. With instant access, editable documents, ongoing updates and 12 months' access, you get practical HR support when you need it.