The process of writing a Performance improvement plan includes the following:
➔ Identify the Performance Issues
A PIP should be planned by assessing the performances of the employees thoroughly and finding appropriate deficiencies that are hampering the employee workflow.
This is the foremost step that holds great significance, as this will set the plan ahead without confusion and conflicts.
Identifying the vital issues in employees’ performance that require immediate attention can also save time, hence enabling employers to prioritize tasks accordingly.
➔ Set Clear Objectives
After identifying the underlying and vibrant issues influencing the performance of the employee, the next step is to set clear objectives in the performance improvement plan.
Setting clear objectives helps the employee understand the employer’s expectations better and work in accordance to achieve them.
The objectives can be set by considering the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound) approach to be specific in highlighting the expectations without any confusion.
➔ Communicate the Objectives
Communicate the performance improvement plan to the employees to give them a clear insight into the performance improvement plan.
Schedule a private meeting with the employee and clarify the expectations and objectives clearly along with the guidance to be provided for the areas of deficiency in performance.
The meeting should be confidential and should initiate open communication, to allow employees to ask questions and get clarity on the action plans to be implemented.
➔ Document the PIP
Record and document the meeting including date, time, location, attendees, and discussion points for future reference or in case of diversion from the employee end to attain the objectives.
The document should be signed by both the employer and the employee to acknowledge their understanding of the performance improvement plan.
A well-documented PIP is not only essential for proof but also essential for reference during the course of action of PIP.
➔ Regular check-ins & Feedback
It is majorly significant for the employer to execute regular check-ins to assess the progress of employees and provide constructive feedback for the betterment of employees’ performance.
Set monthly or bi-weekly meetings to monitor the progress of the employees’ performances as per the PIP framed and address their concerns with constructive feedback as well as praise for improvements.