How to Handle Underperformance (Without Risking Your Business)

employee hr guidelines

The HR Pro™

Your Weekly Edge in HR by Soteria HR


Performance Improvement Plan Guidelines: Step-By-Step Guide

If you’re dealing with an underperforming employee and not sure what to do next—ignore it, have another conversation, or jump straight to termination—you’re not alone.

I put together a practical, step-by-step guide to help SMB leaders build and manage performance improvement plans (PIPs) the right way. Inside, we cover:

  • When a PIP actually makes sense (and when it doesn’t)
  • How to document performance issues clearly and protect your business
  • What strong, measurable goals should look like
  • How to structure check-ins, support, and a fair outcome

If you want to handle performance issues with confidence—without creating legal risk or damaging your team culture—this guide will give you a clear path forward.

Read the full guide here.


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