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What Is a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP)?

A performance improvement plan (PIP) is a structured plan to help an employee meet expectations within a defined period.

An educational definition from the HR glossary. Explore related terms below, or jump into the resource center to go deeper.

Definition

A performance improvement plan (PIP) is a structured plan to help an employee meet expectations within a defined period.

Why it matters

Handled fairly it gives clarity and support; it can carry formal weight, so use professional guidance.

Examples

Illustrative example. A PIP sets specific expectations, support and a review point.

For the practical detail behind this term, follow the related metric, template and resources below.

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For informational purposes only. This is an educational, plain-language definition — not legal, tax, financial or compliance advice and not an official definition. Terms and obligations vary by organisation and jurisdiction. Numeric examples are simple, placeholder-based illustrations, not data. Confirm specifics with qualified professionals.
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Go deeper

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is Performance Improvement Plan (PIP)?

A performance improvement plan (PIP) is a structured plan to help an employee meet expectations within a defined period.

Why does Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) matter?

Handled fairly it gives clarity and support; it can carry formal weight, so use professional guidance.

How is Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) measured?

It connects to the HR metric linked on this page, where you can find the formula and how to read it. This glossary entry is an educational definition, not a data source.