Can My Employer Put Me on a Performance Improvement Plan During Probation? Seeking Guidance

In my company, the probation period for new joiners is 6 months. After the completion of 6 months, when I asked for my confirmation letter, my boss and HR told me they are not happy with my performance, so they will put me on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). As per my understanding, PIP applies only to confirmed employees who are underperforming for a significant period of time. Please guide me on this as a matter of priority.

Performance Review and Improvement Plan

After the completion of the 6-month employment, a performance review of a probationer was conducted. If the performance was not found satisfactory, generally, that person is removed from the job. However, in your case, your employer is generous to place you under a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). Rather than grumbling about the applicability of PIP, I recommend that you avail yourself of this opportunity and improve your performance.

Steps to Enhance Performance

To enhance your performance, you need to do two things. One is introspection, and the other is taking feedback from your seniors or reporting authorities on where you may be going wrong. Take corrective measures to improve performance. Failure to do so may lead to the significant risk of termination from the job. Typically, your next review would be after three months. If, by any chance, you are let go after nine months, you will face considerable difficulty explaining why you left the job after such a short period. Therefore, consider this a wake-up call.

Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar

Thank you, Dinesh Sir, but I heard that PIP is a sugar-coated process to get rid of employees. Is it correct?

Performance Improvement Plan (PIP): A Sugar-Coated Pill?

PIP could be a sugar-coated pill. However, it is not a general rule, and it could be in just a few companies. Nevertheless, as stated in my previous post, your company is generous to give this sugar-coated pill even to a probationer. They could have administered you a bitter pill and removed you right away. But they have not done this. This shows that they still have some hopes for you. Therefore, avail of this opportunity rather than puncturing their hopes or doubting their intentions. It is not in the interest of your career as such.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Dear Friend,

Your apprehension is correct, and your knowledge about the same is accurate. Normally, employers extend the probation of employees for another three months if they feel you have not performed to the level of their satisfaction. In a PIP, either your performance improves, or you receive marching orders.

Therefore, it is essential to take this situation seriously for your own benefit and plan accordingly.

Warm Regards,

Bharat Gera
HR Consultant
9322404765