Performance Evaluations

Performance evaluations refer to the process of assessing an employee’s job performance over a specific period of time, typically a year. This process typically involves setting performance goals, conducting regular check-ins and feedback sessions, and conducting a formal performance evaluation at the end of the evaluation period.

Effective management of performance evaluations requires clear communication, goal-setting, and ongoing feedback, as well as proficiency with relevant evaluation tools and techniques. Properly managing performance evaluations can help to promote employee engagement and growth, identify areas for improvement, and support the long-term success of the business by ensuring that employees are meeting their goals and contributing to the organization’s success.

How can HR improve performance of an employee by supporting the manager with a performance improvement plan template?

A performance improvement plan (PIP) is a structured and documented process to help employees improve their job performance. As an HR professional, you can support managers by providing them with a PIP template that they can use as a guide to help employees succeed.

Here’s a suggested outline for a Performance Improvement Plan template:

  1. Employee Information:
    • Employee name
    • Job title
    • Department
    • Manager’s name
    • Date of PIP initiation
  2. Performance Concerns:
    • Clearly identify the specific performance issues or gaps that need to be addressed.
    • Provide examples of the employee’s performance that demonstrate the concern.
  3. Performance Objectives:
    • Clearly define the performance goals and expectations for the employee.
    • Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives.
  4. Improvement Actions:
    • Outline the steps the employee needs to take to achieve the performance objectives.
    • Break down actions into smaller tasks, and include deadlines for each task.
    • Describe any additional resources, training, or support the employee may require.
  5. Monitoring and Evaluation:
    • Establish regular check-ins between the manager and employee to review progress and address any challenges.
    • Set milestones for assessing progress toward meeting performance objectives.
    • Define the criteria for evaluating the success of the PIP.
  6. Consequences of Non-Improvement:
    • Clearly state the potential consequences if the employee does not meet the performance objectives within the established timeframe.
    • Consequences may include further performance management steps, reassignment, or termination.
  7. PIP Duration:
    • Specify the duration of the PIP, usually 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on the complexity and severity of the performance issues.
    • Include the start and end dates for the PIP.
  8. Employee Acknowledgment:
    • Include a section for the employee to sign, acknowledging that they understand the PIP, their performance objectives, and the consequences of not meeting those objectives.
    • Encourage the employee to ask questions and seek clarification if needed.

By providing managers with this performance improvement plan template, you can help them address employee performance issues in a structured and effective manner, ultimately leading to improved overall performance.