Create a Performance Improvement Plan

Ben Pemstein Ben Pemstein
· Updated

Create a PIP to set documented expectations, milestones, and a timeline for an employee's performance improvement. After the start date, the employee is notified and the plan locks for tracking.

Before You Begin

  • At least one PIP template must be configured. See Configure PIP templates.
  • Only HR admins can create and publish PIPs.

Roles

Role Access
HR Admin Owns PIP end-to-end. Creates, configures, edits, publishes. Full visibility. Can pause an active PIP. Downloads PDF.
Manager Can contribute to drafts if permitted by HR. Can view and monitor. Cannot publish.
Employee No access until start date. Views shared sections, acknowledges plan, digitally signs. View-only during paused state.

Steps

Create a PIP from Growth Studio

  1. Go to Growth Studio > Plans.
  1. Click Performance Improvement Plans.
  1. Click Draft PIP.
  1. Select the employee for the plan.
  1. (Optional) Check Let manager view this draft.
  1. Click Create draft.
  1. Add sections with titles and descriptions.
  1. Add content: text, action items, review data, or documents (max 10 MB).
  1. Set Visibility for each section: HR only, Manager, or Employee.
  1. Configure Notifications: Invite, Acknowledgment, and Reminders.
  1. Review Acknowledgment text in Settings.
  1. Click Done, Submit for review, or Schedule PIP.

Confirmation: The PIP appears in the Plans list. The employee receives a notification after the start date.

Create a PIP from Talent Matrix or Org Chart

  1. Go to Growth Studio > Explore.
  1. Click an employee's avatar in the Talent Matrix or Org Chart.
  1. Click Draft PIP.
  1. Follow steps 5-12 above to complete the plan.

What happens when you publish

When the PIP is published and the start date arrives:

  • The employee receives a notification.
  • Expectations, milestones, and dates lock.
  • The employee must acknowledge the plan.
  • The audit log begins recording all actions.

If Something Goes Wrong

Issue Check Fix
No templates appear when drafting Confirm a PIP template has been created Create a template in Growth Studio > Plans > Templates
Draft PIP button is not visible Confirm you have HR admin permissions Contact your 15Five admin to verify your role
Manager cannot see the draft Confirm Let manager view this draft is checked Open the draft and check the manager visibility option
Employee received no notification Confirm the start date has passed and notifications are configured Open the PIP and verify notification settings

Not Covered Here

This article does not cover managing an active PIP (tracking, pausing, extending). See Manage an active Performance Improvement Plan.

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