A performance improvement plan (PIP) is a documented workplace plan that identifies performance deficiencies, sets clear objectives and standards, provides support and coaching, and establishes a timeline for improvement. section 12.3.3
Use a PIP as a structured, evidence-based improvement process:
- Identify specific problems, such as missed deadlines, poor-quality work, harmful effects on team morale, or policy breaches. section 12.3.3
- Document dates, projects, incidents, effects on team performance, and patterns of behavior. section 12.3.3
- Set measurable expectations and an improvement timeline, then provide regular feedback, support, and coaching. section 12.3.3
- Review progress regularly with HR, record interactions and results, and consider dismissal only after significant improvement has failed to occur. section 12.3.3
Building an objective case
A lead developer can support a PIP with specific incidents: the date and project of a missed deadline, the quality issue observed, and the measurable effect on team performance. This evidence helps distinguish a documented performance pattern from a vague negative judgment. section 12.3.3
