A Performance Improvement Plan is one of the most important and most misused tools in HR. When done right, it gives an employee a genuine opportunity to improve and gives the company clear documentation if termination ultimately becomes necessary. This template includes a full Manager Guide (so managers know how to use a PIP effectively) and the actual employee PIP form, with structured goal blocks, a biweekly check-in log, and a final review section.
What's Included:
• Part 1- Manager Guide: when to use a PIP, when not to, how to run it, and what the three possible outcomes look like
• Part 2- Employee PIP Form: complete fillable document
• Employee information block and prior feedback log table
• Three structured performance goal blocks with goal description, success measurement criteria, manager support, and target date
• Consequences section with a clear callout box
• Biweekly check-in log table with progress rating options (On Track / Needs Improvement / Not Meeting Expectations)
• Final review section with four outcome options
• Three-party signature block (employee, manager, HR)
• Editable Word (.docx) + polished PDF
This template is right for you if:
• You need to put an employee on a formal improvement plan but have never done it before
• You want a PIP that is genuinely structured for improvement, not just termination paperwork
• You want documentation that is defensible if a termination decision is later challenged
• You are a manager who needs guidance on how to run a PIP effectively
“I had no experience in HR or writing performance improvement plans, but this template set me up for success. It gave me a clear, step-by-step guide and the language I needed to turn a difficult conversation with an employee into a practical improvement plan."
— Larry L., Director | 8-person nonprofit
Delivered as an editable Word document (.docx) and a polished PDF, both included in a single download. All fields are clearly marked with [bracketed placeholders] for easy customization.
Created by a SHRM-SCP certified HR executive with 15+ years of experience in global organizations. Designed for US-based employers. Please review with your HR or legal counsel before distributing to employees.
A Performance Improvement Plan is one of the most important and most misused tools in HR. When done right, it gives an employee a genuine opportunity to improve and gives the company clear documentation if termination ultimately becomes necessary. This template includes a full Manager Guide (so managers know how to use a PIP effectively) and the actual employee PIP form, with structured goal blocks, a biweekly check-in log, and a final review section.
What's Included:
• Part 1- Manager Guide: when to use a PIP, when not to, how to run it, and what the three possible outcomes look like
• Part 2- Employee PIP Form: complete fillable document
• Employee information block and prior feedback log table
• Three structured performance goal blocks with goal description, success measurement criteria, manager support, and target date
• Consequences section with a clear callout box
• Biweekly check-in log table with progress rating options (On Track / Needs Improvement / Not Meeting Expectations)
• Final review section with four outcome options
• Three-party signature block (employee, manager, HR)
• Editable Word (.docx) + polished PDF
This template is right for you if:
• You need to put an employee on a formal improvement plan but have never done it before
• You want a PIP that is genuinely structured for improvement, not just termination paperwork
• You want documentation that is defensible if a termination decision is later challenged
• You are a manager who needs guidance on how to run a PIP effectively
“I had no experience in HR or writing performance improvement plans, but this template set me up for success. It gave me a clear, step-by-step guide and the language I needed to turn a difficult conversation with an employee into a practical improvement plan."
— Larry L., Director | 8-person nonprofit
Delivered as an editable Word document (.docx) and a polished PDF, both included in a single download. All fields are clearly marked with [bracketed placeholders] for easy customization.
Created by a SHRM-SCP certified HR executive with 15+ years of experience in global organizations. Designed for US-based employers. Please review with your HR or legal counsel before distributing to employees.