Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Performance Improvement Plan
I need a performance improvement plan for an employee who has been underperforming in their role for the past three months, with clear objectives, measurable goals, and a timeline of 60 days to demonstrate improvement, including regular check-ins and support resources.
What is a Performance Improvement Plan?
A Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) is a formal tool used by Australian employers to help employees lift their work performance to meet expected standards. It sets clear, measurable goals and provides structured support to address specific workplace concerns, from missed targets to behavioral issues.
Under Fair Work regulations, PIPs play a vital role in managing underperformance fairly and legally. The plan typically runs for 30-90 days, outlining required improvements, support measures, and regular check-ins. When properly implemented, it creates a documented pathway for employee success while protecting both parties in case termination becomes necessary.
When should you use a Performance Improvement Plan?
Use a Performance Improvement Plan when an employee's work consistently falls below expected standards, but you believe they have the potential to improve. Common triggers include missed KPIs, quality issues, poor attendance patterns, or behavioral concerns that impact team performance.
Under Australian workplace law, implementing a PIP before considering termination demonstrates fair process and good faith. It's especially valuable when dealing with long-term employees or complex performance issues. The key is to start early - waiting too long can damage team morale, create legal risks, and make recovery harder for everyone involved.
What are the different types of Performance Improvement Plan?
- Basic Performance Plans: Focus on specific KPIs and measurable targets, typically used for sales roles or quantifiable performance issues
- Behavioral PIPs: Address conduct, communication, or teamwork concerns with clear examples and expected improvements
- Skills Development Plans: Outline training needs, upskilling requirements, and professional development goals
- Leadership Performance Plans: Target management capabilities and leadership behaviors for supervisory roles
- Return-to-Work PIPs: Support employees returning after extended leave or following workplace incidents
Who should typically use a Performance Improvement Plan?
- HR Managers: Draft and oversee Performance Improvement Plans, ensuring compliance with Fair Work requirements and company policies
- Direct Supervisors: Help identify performance issues, set measurable goals, and conduct regular check-ins during the PIP period
- Employees: Must understand, agree to, and work toward meeting the outlined performance targets and improvement measures
- Union Representatives: May review PIPs and attend meetings when requested by union members
- Legal Teams: Review PIP documentation to ensure it meets workplace law requirements and protects against unfair dismissal claims
How do you write a Performance Improvement Plan?
- Document Performance Issues: Collect specific examples of underperformance, including dates, incidents, and impact on business
- Set Clear Metrics: Define measurable goals that align with role expectations and company standards
- Timeline Planning: Map out reasonable deadlines and review points across 30-90 days
- Support Resources: List available training, mentoring, or tools to help achieve improvement goals
- Meeting Schedule: Plan regular check-ins to monitor progress and provide feedback
- Legal Compliance: Use our platform to generate a legally sound PIP that meets Fair Work requirements
What should be included in a Performance Improvement Plan?
- Employee Details: Full name, position, department, and reporting relationships
- Performance Concerns: Specific examples of issues, with dates and impact on work outcomes
- Improvement Goals: Clear, measurable objectives that align with role requirements
- Support Measures: Available resources, training, and assistance to achieve targets
- Timeline Structure: Start date, review points, and completion date (typically 30-90 days)
- Acknowledgment Section: Signatures from employee, manager, and HR representative
- Fair Work Statement: Confirmation that the PIP follows Australian workplace laws
What's the difference between a Performance Improvement Plan and a Performance Review Document?
A Performance Improvement Plan differs significantly from a Performance Review Document. While both relate to employee performance, they serve distinct purposes in Australian workplaces.
- Timing and Purpose: PIPs are remedial tools used when performance issues arise, while Performance Reviews are regular assessments of all employees' work, typically conducted annually or quarterly
- Legal Implications: PIPs form part of formal performance management processes and can support termination decisions, whereas Performance Reviews primarily document achievements and set future goals
- Structure: PIPs include specific improvement targets, support measures, and consequences if goals aren't met. Performance Reviews focus on broader career development and salary discussions
- Duration: PIPs have fixed timeframes (usually 30-90 days) with regular check-ins, while Performance Reviews are point-in-time assessments with long-term development goals
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
ұԾ’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.