What is a PIP? 3 Warning Signs You Might Be Placed On One

Understanding Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs)

If you or someone you know has been placed on a performance improvement plan, or PIP, you may have experienced the stress and emotional toll that often accompanies such a situation. A PIP is typically a formal process designed to help an employee improve their job performance. However, it can also be a sign that an employee is at risk of being let go. According to Madeline Mann, an expert career coach, only about 10% to 20% of employees who are placed on a PIP successfully stay with their employer long-term. The rest either leave voluntarily or are terminated.

Despite the challenges, PIPs are meant to provide employees with an opportunity to improve their performance. But how do you know if you're on a PIP, and what can you do if you are?

What is a PIP?

A performance improvement plan is an official document that outlines specific performance gaps or behavioral issues an employee needs to address. It includes goals that the employee must meet by a certain date. If these goals are not met, the employee may be asked to resign or be discharged. Typically, the employee, their manager, and an HR professional sign the document.

While there isn't a complete picture of data surrounding PIPs, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 415,000 layoffs and discharges in the professional and business services sectors in July 2025. This highlights the prevalence of such situations in the workforce.

Why Might Someone Be Put on a PIP?

There are several reasons why an employee might be placed on a PIP. These include failing to meet specific goals and deadlines, as outlined by their manager. In other cases, the issues may be more qualitative, such as poor communication skills or not being well-liked by colleagues.

Signs You Might Be Put on a PIP

There are several signs that may indicate you are on your way to being placed on a PIP. These include:

1. Receiving a Poor Performance Review: A negative performance review is a major indicator that a PIP might be coming. Managers need to provide tangible evidence of underperformance.

2. Your Manager Documenting Mistakes: If your manager starts documenting your mistakes more frequently, this could be a sign that a PIP is on the horizon. Written records are essential for any potential termination.

3. Being Left Out of Important Projects: If you’re suddenly removed from key projects or meetings, it could signal that a PIP is coming. Your manager may start asking for daily updates and becoming more goal-focused.

What to Do if You’ve Been Put on a PIP

Getting put on a PIP can be stressful, but there are steps you can take to manage the situation:

1. Take a Deep Breath: PIPs require meeting specific benchmarks, which means more frequent check-ins with your manager. Micromanagement can lead to low morale and high stress, so it's important to prioritize your mental health.

2. Assess Your Situation: Consider whether your manager believes you can improve. If they do, a PIP can be a useful tool to clarify expectations. However, if they seem to have given up on you, it may be a sign that the situation is not salvageable.

3. Grin and Bear It: While a PIP can be emotionally challenging, maintaining a positive attitude is crucial. Overcommunicate your progress and put in extra effort to meet and exceed standards.

4. Start a Job Search Immediately: Many employees on PIPs eventually face termination. Starting a job search early can provide a safety net and give you options if you are let go.

Conclusion

While being placed on a PIP can be a difficult experience, understanding what it entails and taking proactive steps can help you navigate the situation. Whether you stay with your current employer or move on, remember that this is just one chapter in your career journey. With the right mindset and actions, you can emerge stronger and better prepared for future opportunities.