Performance Improvement Plans (PIP) Explained

A PIP is not always about improvement — sometimes it’s an exit strategy.

Common PIP Triggers

• Sudden negative feedback
• Unrealistic deadlines
• No clear success criteria
• Documentation-heavy reviews

What To Do Immediately

• Ask for written expectations
• Document all work
• Start external job search
• Avoid emotional reactions

When PIP Can Be Recovered

• Clear goals
• Supportive manager
• Skill gap, not headcount reduction

Learning Resources

• Workplace Rights → https://www.ilo.org/
• Career Strategy → https://hbr.org/

Read time: ~4 minutes