Free Decision Tool

Should I Put This Employee on a PIP?

A structured decision tool that helps you think through whether a Performance Improvement Plan is the right next step — or if there's a better path.

Performance Gap Clarity Support Already Given Root Cause Analysis PIP Readiness Alternative Paths

15 questions · About 5 minutes · No email required

Important: This is a reflection tool, not legal or HR advice. Employment decisions — including PIPs — may have legal implications depending on your jurisdiction, company policy, and the employee's protected status. Always consult your HR department and/or legal counsel before initiating a formal PIP.

Why This Decision Is So Hard

Putting someone on a Performance Improvement Plan is one of the most stressful decisions a manager faces. For first-time managers, it can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory with high stakes on every side. You worry about fairness, legal exposure, the employee's livelihood, and whether you have done enough to help them succeed.

The problem is that most managers either jump to a PIP too quickly — using it as a formality before a predetermined exit — or avoid it entirely because the process feels daunting. Both approaches fail the employee, the team, and the manager.

This assessment walks you through 15 questions across five dimensions: how clear the Performance Gap actually is, whether you have given genuine Support, whether you understand the Root Cause of the issue, your organizational and personal Readiness for a PIP, and whether you have considered Alternative Paths. Your results include a recommendation, dimension-by-dimension feedback, and suggested reading.

This tool does not tell you what to do. It helps you think more clearly about what you already know. The decision — and the responsibility — is always yours.

Legal disclaimer: This assessment is a self-reflection tool for personal development. It does not constitute legal advice, HR policy guidance, or a professional recommendation to place any employee on a Performance Improvement Plan. Employment decisions carry legal implications that vary by jurisdiction. Before taking any action, consult with your HR department, legal counsel, or an employment attorney. The creators of this tool accept no liability for decisions made based on its results.