What is Performance Improvement?

Performance improvement is a strategy under the umbrella of performance management that helps employees achieve better performance and growth. Managers typically use performance improvement plans (PIPs) to help underperforming employees meet the organization’s standards and requirements, both in terms of productivity and behaviour. This is called operational or individual performance improvement. 

On the other hand, performance improvement also occurs at a: 

• Team level
• Department level
• Organization level

Improvement plans at these levels are known as organizational performance improvement.

How Is Performance Improvement Measured?

Organizations can use various metrics to gauge performance improvement.

On an individual level, managers might track an employee’s progress over time using: 

• Timecards
• Peer feedback
• Quality control
• Performance reviews

 At higher levels in the organization, the goals of the performance improvement plan determine which metrics should be tracked.

While the need for performance improvement is universal, the methods for measuring improvement vary. It is essential to recognize that the performance improvement plan structure is only effective if the performance issues in question can be resolved with a structured plan and time-sensitive goals. 

For example, quantitative deficiencies like sales goals or production quotas lend themselves well to a performance improvement plan all it takes to track a goal is to measure whether the number is improving. Qualitative matters like poor leadership or disrespectful behaviour are much more challenging to fit into a structured plan and to track over time.

Why Is Performance Improvement Important?

For employees and managers to improve, they first need to identify the areas that need improvement. Performance improvement plans help teams understand what’s working and what isn’t, helping them the issues teams face helps companies find targeted solutions instead of relying on unfocused efforts to improve. 

Performance improvement can lead to genuine benefits such as:

• Improved employee productivity
• Reduced work errors
• Better work quality
• Enhanced employee satisfaction
• Less time spent redoing tasks

When Should You Use a Performance Improvement Plan?

Using a PIP to address poor performance is often a better solution than terminating an underperforming but valued employee. Instead of removing the employee and losing their future potential (along with the investment in recruiting and training them), these plans target any below-par performance or unacceptable behaviour and provide a path for change.

Beneficial PIP Situations 

Below are some instances where a PIP fits best:

• An employee meets expectations in most performance areas.
• A historically good performer is experiencing recent issues.
• An employee is experiencing personal challenges, but their window for leeway is ending.
• A hardworking new hire requires more time to learn the necessary skills during the probationary period.

PIP Situations to Avoid

On the contrary, implementing a PIP in the following situations may not be effective as expected:

• A good employee is placed under a new manager with higher performance standards.
• A long-time employee has a history of mediocre performance but has never received feedback and has no strong motivation to correct actions or behaviour.
• A problematic employee is already at risk for termination or determined to leave the company. 
• An employee finds their competencies are misaligned with new work requirements.
• A worker becomes involved in a serious incident like theft, violence, or gross insubordination.

Before undertaking a PIP, there should be a clear conversation and collaboration between the involved parties. Enforcing the drafted plan on an unknowing or unwilling employee often does more harm than good, causing performance improvement to fail before it even begins.

What Is the Time Frame for a Performance Improvement Plan? 

A good performance improvement plan is time-bound—the employee concerned should meet the actionable objectives within the indicated timeframe, often 30 to 90 days. After the PIP time frame concludes, there should be a commitment to keep improving in the areas addressed.

What Type of Performance Issues Could Benefit from a Performance Improvement Plan?

A performance improvement plan is not a panacea for all unsatisfactory employee performance. For example, it’s better to address attendance-related issues and disruptive behaviours when they happen instead of waiting to bring them up in a formal review. This not only helps the employee with the issue, but also helps reiterate your organization’s standards to the employee’s co-workers.

Below are some performance issues that a comprehensive PIP may address:

• Missed deadlines
• Unmet targets and goals
• Substandard work quality
• Poor team behaviour

Once performance gaps are identified, the formalized plan should have established objectives, clear actions or strategies, milestones, and measurable metrics to determine improvements. It is also crucial to set coaching sessions and regular meetings during the PIP time frame to keep track of progress.

Employees should understand that they must meet indicated PIP objectives to avoid the consequences. While management should give employees on a PIP every opportunity to improve with their full confidence and support, the stakes and timeline need to be clear regarding demotion, reduced pay, or job loss.

What Is the Difference Between Quality Improvement and Performance Improvement?

Many people think quality improvement and performance improvement are the same, but there are some important differences.

Both processes adopt a systemic view in resolving problems, but they tackle different issues. Performance improvement addresses deficiencies in human performance, whereas quality improvement focuses on the organization’s processes and systems.

Performance improvement leans more toward HR-related causes and solutions, such as: 

• Clear job expectations
• Timely performance feedback
• Increasing motivation
• Investing in necessary skills

Quality improvement is more inclined to consider broader interventions to improve work conditions, environment, and available support.