FREE TEMPLATES
Best Performance Improvement Plan Template
Boost employee performance with this free, editable Performance Improvement Plan Template. Easily set clear expectations, track progress, and maintain accountability—all in a single, organized document. Customize it to fit your needs and guide employees toward measurable success.
What Is a Performance Improvement Plan Template?
A Performance Improvement Plan Template (or a PIP template) is an organized document used to assist managers in resolving underperformance, establishing precise objectives, and leading employees through a charted course of improvement. As a member of HR, team management, or top management, this professional development plan template ensures that every step is explained and monitored correctly.
Advantages of a Performance Improvement Plan Template
- Makes expectations clear with precise, quantifiable objectives.
- Safeguards the company by establishing written accountability.
- Increases manager-employee transparency and communication.
- Simplifies HR processes with reusable PIP templates.
What should be included in a Performance Improvement Plan Template
Include clear performance goals, areas needing improvement, action steps, and deadlines. This helps employees understand expectations and how to improve.
Key Elements of An effective performance improvement plan template
- Employee information (Name, Job Title, Department, Date)
- Well-defined list of performance gaps
- Summary of past performance conversations
- A clear step-by-step improvement plan
- Needed resources and support systems
- Regular points for checking in and written updates
- Specific expectations and consequences defined
- Manager and employee signatures with acknowledgments
How to use this Performance Improvement Plan Template
Fill employee information, identify performance problems, and establish an organized improvement plan. Regular review of progress is critical for accountability.
Steps to utilize a Performance Improvement Plan Template
Step 1. Clarify the performance problem: factual, specific, and measurable.
Step 2. The action steps are specified in the improvement plan section.
Step 3. Resource allocation is needed for improvement.
Step 4. Using the progress tracker to document updates.
Step 5. Clear timelines and consequences are described.
Step 6. Review meetings scheduled to check on progress.
Step 7. Have both the manager and the employee sign to finalize accountability.
What's Included In This Performance Improvement Plan Template
The template features sections for goals, performance concerns, action plans, timelines, and feedback. It provides a clear path for growth and accountability.
This Customizable Performance Improvement Plan Template Layout Includes
- Editable fields for employee information
- Formatted performance assessment sections
- Timeline performance requirements (e.g., 30/60/90 days)
- Spaced out areas for progress comments and HR approval
- Legally valid language for the at-will status of employment
Why You Need a Performance Improvement Plan Template
Using a performance improvement plan template ensures your HR processes are fair, properly documented, and proactive. It removes ambiguity, allows for legal defensibility, and allows the underperforming employee to take positive steps.
How to Fill Out a Performance Improvement Plan Template
Start the performance improvement plan template by describing the employee's position and specific areas to improve. Create measurable goals and expectations along with what resources and support will be provided. Include timelines that are realistic and checkpoints to measure progress as well as discussing consequences if goals are not met. Finally, review the plan with the employee to ensure alignment and secure their acknowledgment before implementation.
Who Can Use This Performance Improvement Plan Template
This performance improvement plan template is free and suitable for:
- HR managers
- Team leaders
- Department heads
- Business owners
- Project managers
FAQs
Q1. How do you write a performance improvement plan?
Begin by clearly defining areas of poor performance, detailing improvement steps, establishing timelines, and including review points.
Q2. What are five things to include in a performance plan?
The five things to include in a performance plan are
- Deficiency description
- Action steps
- Resources
- Timeline
- Expected outcomes and repercussions
Q3. How to write a PIP?
Utilize a professional PIP template that contains formalized steps, timelines, and recognition areas for legal and HR approvals.
Q4. What is an example of a performance improvement plan?
An employee with a low client satisfaction score is given a 60-day plan, inclusive of weekly coaching, monitoring of client feedback, and established KPIs to achieve.
