What is performance improvement and how does it work?
Performance improvement is the structured process of helping an employee whose work has fallen below expectations meet performance standards. It typically combines specific feedback, clear expectations, regular check-ins, training or coaching support, and a defined timeline. The most formal expression is a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), but informal performance improvement happens continuously through one-on-ones and project feedback. Effective performance improvement is genuine intervention; ineffective versions are just paper trails for termination.