12 Best Performance Improvement Plan Templates for 2025

Facing employee performance issues can be one of a manager's toughest challenges. A well-structured Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) isn't just a formality; it's a critical tool for providing clarity, setting measurable goals, and offering a fair chance for recovery. However, starting from scratch is inefficient and can introduce legal risks. Generic templates often fail to capture the nuances of different roles and specific performance gaps, contributing to situations where, according to a 2019 Gallup report, only 14% of employees strongly agree their performance reviews inspire them to improve.

This article cuts through the noise to showcase the 12 best performance improvement plan templates available, from AI-powered generators to legally-vetted HR forms. We provide a direct, practical analysis of each resource, complete with screenshots and links. You will find specific use cases, honest limitations, and key implementation advice to help you select the right framework for your team's needs. While our focus is on PIPs, understanding the broader landscape is key; many platforms also offer a range of free legal document templates for other business needs. Our goal is simple: to equip you with the best tools for turning difficult performance conversations into constructive, data-driven pathways for employee growth.

1. PIP Generator: AI-Powered Solutions for Performance Enhancement

MyCulture.ai’s PIP Generator is a standout solution that moves beyond static performance improvement plan templates, leveraging AI to create highly customized, role-specific documents. Instead of providing a generic form, this platform uses a guided input process where managers detail specific performance challenges, expected outcomes, and job responsibilities. The AI then synthesizes this information to generate a comprehensive, structured PIP tailored to the individual employee, ensuring clarity and relevance.

This approach significantly reduces the administrative burden on HR and managers, transforming a time-consuming task into an efficient, strategic activity. The tool is designed to produce documents that are not only compliant but also constructive, focusing on measurable goals and actionable steps for employee growth. Its integration within the broader MyCulture.ai ecosystem, which includes science-backed culture assessments, provides a holistic framework for talent management. This synergy allows organizations to address performance issues while reinforcing a positive and accountable workplace culture.

Core Strengths and Use Cases

The primary advantage of the PIP Generator is its AI-driven customization, which ensures that each plan directly addresses the unique context of a performance issue. This makes it an ideal tool for organizations seeking to standardize their performance management process while maintaining a high degree of personalization.

• Best For: HR managers in fast-paced environments, team leaders needing to address performance issues promptly, and companies aiming to build a data-driven performance culture.
• Key Feature: The guided-input system prompts users for critical details, such as specific examples of underperformance, required competencies, and clear objectives. This structured process helps ensure the final PIP is robust and defensible.
• Practical Tip: To maximize effectiveness, prepare specific, behavior-based examples of performance gaps before using the generator. The more precise the input, the more targeted and effective the generated plan will be.

Pros and Cons

The platform’s focus on structured, actionable plans is complemented by other tools like the AI career pathing tool on myculture.ai, which helps align employee development with organizational goals.

Website: https://www.myculture.ai/performance-improvement-plan-generator

2. SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management)

For HR professionals seeking authoritative, compliance-focused resources, SHRM is the gold standard. Instead of offering a vast library of varied designs, SHRM provides two official Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) form templates meticulously crafted by HR experts. These forms are designed to align with U.S. labor law best practices, making them an indispensable tool for teams prioritizing risk management and procedural correctness.

What sets SHRM apart is its ecosystem of content. The templates don’t exist in a vacuum; they are supported by extensive toolkits, articles, and policy guidance. This context helps managers and HR teams make crucial decisions, such as determining when a PIP is appropriate versus when to proceed with disciplinary action. The platform offers a comprehensive framework for implementing a performance improvement plan, not just a document to fill out.

Key Features and Implementation

• Templates: Two downloadable, practitioner-vetted PIP forms.
• Guidance: In-depth articles and toolkits on performance management strategy.
• Focus: Strong emphasis on U.S. compliance and HR best practices.

While the templates themselves are straightforward and utilitarian in design, their value comes from the backing of a major HR authority. Access to some of these premium resources, including the downloadable forms, requires a SHRM membership. This makes it an ideal choice for organizations already invested in the SHRM ecosystem or those looking for a single, reliable source for all HR-related guidance.

Website: https://www.shrm.org

3. Smartsheet

Smartsheet offers one of the most comprehensive and accessible hubs for free performance improvement plan templates available online. Rather than a single document, it provides a collection of PIP templates in various formats, including Word, Excel, Google Docs, and PDF. This versatility allows managers to choose the format that best integrates with their existing workflows, whether they prefer a collaborative Google Doc or a structured Excel spreadsheet.

What elevates Smartsheet is its holistic approach. The resource hub includes not just the core PIP document but also supplementary templates for timelines and employee memos, covering the entire communication process. Each template is accompanied by clear, actionable guidance on how to craft and execute a plan, making it an excellent starting point for managers who may be less experienced with the formal PIP process. The platform effectively provides a complete, self-contained toolkit for performance management.

Key Features and Implementation

• Templates: Multiple PIP options in Word, Excel, Google Docs, and PDF.
• Guidance: Detailed instructions and best practices for creating and implementing a PIP.
• Focus: Practical, multi-format templates supported by related HR documents.

While the resources are free and don’t require a login, users should be aware that the platform is designed to encourage the use of Smartsheet's core project management software. The templates themselves are functional and well-structured, though they lack the polished branding of a paid service. For organizations needing a robust, no-cost solution, Smartsheet provides exceptional value by bundling diverse performance improvement plan templates with the essential guidance needed for proper execution.

Website: https://www.smartsheet.com/performance-improvement-plan-templates

4. Indeed

For managers needing a quick, no-frills solution, Indeed offers a straightforward and highly accessible resource. The platform provides free, downloadable performance improvement plan templates designed with clarity and immediate usability in mind. Written in plain English, these resources are perfect for managers who need to act quickly without getting bogged down in complex HR jargon, making the process less intimidating for both the manager and the employee.

What makes Indeed a practical choice is its focus on the manager's perspective. The templates are accompanied by step-by-step articles that explain the entire process, from setting a timeline to documenting progress. This approach demystifies the PIP, transforming it from a purely administrative task into a constructive dialogue. This is a key aspect of performance management best practices that emphasizes clear communication.

Key Features and Implementation

• Templates: Free, downloadable PIP templates for Word and Google Docs.
• Guidance: Simple, action-oriented articles on implementation and timelines.
• Focus: Manager-friendly language and ease of use for rapid deployment.

While the content is free and readily available, it is U.S.-centric and lacks the deep legal or compliance backing of a dedicated HR authority like SHRM. The surrounding content is also part of Indeed’s larger job-search ecosystem, which can be a minor distraction. However, for small businesses or individual managers seeking an easy-to-understand and immediately deployable performance improvement plan template, Indeed is an excellent starting point.

Website: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/performance-improvement-plan-template

5. Betterteam

For small businesses or managers needing an immediate, no-frills solution, Betterteam offers a streamlined and highly accessible resource. The platform provides a single, downloadable performance improvement plan letter template in Microsoft Word format. This approach bypasses complex systems and membership requirements, delivering a straightforward tool that managers can adapt and implement in minutes.

What makes Betterteam a practical choice is its simplicity and directness. The template is accompanied by a concise guide and an FAQ section that answers fundamental questions about when and how to use a PIP. While it lacks the legal depth of a dedicated HR authority, it serves as an excellent starting point for organizations without a formal HR department, offering a clear structure for documenting performance issues and outlining expectations. This is crucial for maintaining transparency and can be a foundational step in creating better processes that improve employee retention.

Key Features and Implementation

• Templates: One direct-download PIP letter example in MS Word.
• Guidance: Basic usage advice and an FAQ for managers.
• Focus: Simplicity and speed, ideal for quick-turnaround needs.

The key advantage of Betterteam's performance improvement plan template is its barrier-free access; no account or signup is needed. This makes it perfect for a manager facing an urgent performance issue who needs a functional document immediately. However, its a la carte nature means it lacks the comprehensive policy framework found on more robust platforms, so it should be used with an understanding of its limitations, especially concerning legal compliance.

Website: https://www.betterteam.com/performance-improvement-plan

6. Template.net

For managers who value polished, professionally designed documents, Template.net offers a diverse collection of performance improvement plan templates. Unlike utilitarian forms, these templates are crafted with a strong visual appeal, making them suitable for organizations that want to maintain a consistent and professional brand image, even in sensitive internal communications. The platform provides downloads in multiple formats, including Word, Google Docs, and Apple Pages, ensuring broad compatibility.

The key differentiator for Template.net is its focus on design and variety. Users can find multiple variants, such as specific "employee performance improvement plan" or "work performance plan" layouts, allowing them to choose a template that best fits the specific context. This variety, combined with an online editor, provides a level of customization that goes beyond simple text entry, making it a valuable resource for creating polished HR documents quickly.

Key Features and Implementation

• Templates: A wide variety of visually appealing PIP templates in multiple formats.
• Guidance: An online editor for quick customization and a library of related HR forms.
• Focus: Strong emphasis on professional design and document aesthetics.

While many templates are available for free, accessing the full library or premium designs may require signing up or purchasing a subscription. The website can also feel marketing-heavy, which might be a distraction for users seeking a quick download. However, for teams prioritizing ready-to-use, well-designed forms that save significant formatting time, Template.net is an excellent choice.

Website: https://www.template.net/editable/54540/employee-performance-improvement-plan

7. ProjectManager

For managers who think in terms of timelines and deliverables, ProjectManager offers a unique perspective on performance improvement. The platform provides a free, straightforward Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) template in a downloadable Word format. Its core value, however, lies in bridging the gap between HR processes and project management methodologies, framing performance goals as trackable milestones.

What sets ProjectManager apart is its emphasis on execution. The template is supported by guidance that teaches managers how to use tools like Gantt charts and task lists to monitor an employee's progress. This approach transforms a static HR document into a dynamic, actionable project plan, making it easier to visualize progress, set clear deadlines, and hold structured follow-up meetings. It’s ideal for roles where performance is measured by tangible outputs and project completions.

Key Features and Implementation

• Templates: A single, free-to-download Word template for immediate use.
• Guidance: Articles and tips on applying project management principles to PIPs.
• Focus: Tracking performance improvement with structured project tools and milestones.

While the template is free, the surrounding content naturally encourages users to consider the full ProjectManager software suite for more advanced tracking. This makes it an excellent entry point for managers in tech, engineering, or creative fields who are already comfortable with project-based workflows. The platform provides a clear, structured way to manage and document the entire performance improvement plan lifecycle from start to finish.

Website: https://www.projectmanager.com/templates/performance-improvement-plan-template

8. Lattice

For teams looking to frame performance improvement plans as a developmental tool rather than a punitive measure, Lattice offers a standout resource. The company, known for its comprehensive people management platform, provides a free, HR-expert-designed Performance Improvement Plan template that embodies modern performance management philosophy. It’s built to foster constructive conversations and create a clear, supportive path for employee growth.

What makes the Lattice template different is its emphasis on a collaborative, forward-looking approach. The language and structure are designed to reduce the anxiety often associated with PIPs, positioning them as a structured way to help an employee succeed. This approach aligns well with companies that prioritize a culture of continuous feedback and employee development, moving away from a traditional, compliance-first mindset.

Key Features and Implementation

• Template: One downloadable performance improvement plan template with a modern, developmental focus.
• Guidance: Framed with best-practice language to support constructive employee conversations.
• Integration: Designed to work seamlessly within the broader Lattice performance management ecosystem.

While the template itself is a high-quality, standalone document, its true power is unlocked when used in conjunction with Lattice's software suite. Accessing the download requires submitting an email via a lead capture form. This makes it an ideal choice for organizations already using or considering Lattice, as well as any team wanting a free template that reflects a more supportive and modern approach to performance management.

Website: https://lattice.com/templates/performance-improvement-plan-template

9. HR Acuity

For organizations prioritizing documentation rigor and risk management, HR Acuity provides an enterprise-grade perspective on performance improvement. Their free PIP template is designed not just as a form, but as a defensible record rooted in employee relations best practices. It’s an ideal resource for HR teams in larger U.S. companies that need to ensure every step of the performance management process is consistent, fair, and thoroughly documented to mitigate legal risks.

What distinguishes HR Acuity is its focus on the entire employee relations lifecycle. The template is supported by resources that cover misconduct, discipline, and creating objective timelines, which are crucial for handling complex cases. This approach helps managers move beyond simple performance tracking to building a legally sound case file. According to research published in the Harvard Business Review, establishing clear, formal processes is a critical factor in resolving workplace conflicts fairly and effectively. Find out more about how structured processes aid in workplace conflict resolution.

Key Features and Implementation

• Templates: A single, downloadable PIP form focused on enterprise-level documentation.
• Guidance: Supplemental content on misconduct, disciplinary action, and timelines.
• Focus: Strong emphasis on consistency, risk management, and U.S. compliance.

While the template’s design is more functional than creative, its true value lies in its structured, defensible framework. Access to the performance improvement plan template is typically gated, requiring an email submission to download. This makes HR Acuity a top choice for organizations that need a process-oriented, litigation-aware tool rather than a highly stylized document.

Website: https://www.hracuity.com/resources/templates/how-to-write-performance-improvement-plan/

10. Etsy (Digital HR Templates Marketplace)

For small businesses or managers seeking aesthetically pleasing and highly affordable templates, Etsy offers a surprisingly diverse marketplace. Unlike corporate HR platforms, Etsy is a hub for independent creators who design and sell their own digital HR documents. This results in a wide variety of performance improvement plan templates in different styles, formats (Word, PDF, Google Docs), and even bundled packages with other HR forms.

What makes Etsy unique is the focus on design and user-friendliness from a visual perspective. While many platforms offer utilitarian forms, Etsy sellers often provide templates with clean layouts, modern typography, and a less corporate feel. This can be ideal for startups or companies with a strong brand identity. The broader world of digital HR templates also includes resources like exploring various annual leave request templates, showcasing the platform's versatility.

Key Features and Implementation

• Templates: Wide variety of instantly downloadable PIP templates from numerous independent sellers.
• Guidance: Value is in the template design itself; formal HR guidance is typically not included.
• Focus: Affordability, visual appeal, and format variety for small-scale business needs.

The primary trade-off is the lack of professional HR vetting. Quality and compliance can vary significantly between sellers, so it's crucial to read reviews and carefully check the content of any template before use. However, with prices often ranging from just $2 to $10, it's a low-risk option for sourcing a well-designed foundational document that can be customized to meet specific business and legal requirements.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/market/performance_improvement_plan

11. ClickUp Templates

For teams that want to turn a performance improvement plan into an actionable project, ClickUp provides templates that bridge the gap between static documents and dynamic workflows. Instead of just offering a form to fill out, ClickUp integrates its performance improvement plan templates directly into its project management ecosystem. This approach is ideal for managers who need to actively monitor progress, assign tasks, and track milestones related to the PIP.

What makes ClickUp unique is its operational focus. The templates allow you to create specific action items, set deadlines, assign ownership, and visualize the entire improvement journey on a board or list. This transforms the PIP from a formal HR document into a collaborative and transparent action plan that both the manager and employee can engage with. It’s built for accountability and clear, step-by-step execution rather than just documentation.

Key Features and Implementation

• Templates: Ready-to-use PIP document and action plan board templates.
• Guidance: Integration with task management, goal tracking, and progress monitoring.
• Focus: Strong emphasis on operationalizing the PIP and ensuring accountability through project management tools.

While the templates are free to access, they deliver maximum value when used within the ClickUp platform, which may require user sign-up. This tool-centric approach is less suited for those who simply want a standalone document to download and print. However, for organizations already using ClickUp or those seeking a more hands-on, tech-integrated method for managing performance plans, its templates offer a powerful, action-oriented solution.

Website: https://clickup.com/templates/performance-improvement-plan-pip-kkmvq-18691

12. Notion Template Gallery

For teams embedded in a digital-first, collaborative work environment, Notion offers a flexible and modern approach to performance management. Instead of a static document, the Notion Template Gallery provides a free, dynamic Performance Improvement Plan template that functions as a living workspace. It’s designed for real-time collaboration between managers, employees, and HR, making it particularly effective for remote or distributed teams.

What sets the Notion template apart is its integration into a broader knowledge management system. The PIP isn’t just a form to fill out; it’s a collaborative page where users can embed evidence, add comments, track progress with checklists, and set clear timelines. This transforms the performance improvement plan from a formal, one-time document into an ongoing, interactive project, fostering transparency and continuous communication throughout the process.

Key Features and Implementation

• Templates: A free, pre-built PIP structure in a collaborative, cloud-based workspace.
• Guidance: Template includes prompts and sections for key areas like goals, support, and feedback.
• Focus: Strong emphasis on real-time collaboration, transparency, and adaptability for remote teams.

While the template is free to add to any Notion workspace, it naturally requires all participants to use the platform. Its strength lies in its customizability; teams can easily modify the structure to fit their specific internal processes. However, it is less suited for organizations that require a traditional, print-ready document with formal branding for their official HR records. It's an ideal choice for tech-savvy companies that prioritize fluid workflows over rigid, conventional forms.

Website: https://www.notion.com/templates/performance-improvement-plan

Performance Improvement Plan Template Comparison

Turning Templates into Triumphs: Your Next Steps

We've explored a diverse landscape of performance improvement plan templates, from the AI-driven efficiency of a PIP Generator to the comprehensive, structured resources offered by organizations like SHRM and platforms like Smartsheet and Lattice. Each tool presents a unique starting point, whether you need a quick, no-frills document from Indeed or a highly integrated, data-rich system from HR Acuity. The key is understanding that a template is a foundation, not a finished structure.

The true effectiveness of a PIP doesn't reside in the document itself but in the process it facilitates. It's about transforming a potentially punitive measure into a constructive, supportive pathway for employee development. A template provides the framework, but the human elements of empathy, clear communication, and genuine commitment to an employee's success are what drive positive outcomes.

From Document to Development: Key Takeaways

Remember that the ultimate goal is not just to document underperformance but to correct it. The most successful performance improvement plans are collaborative efforts. Data from Gallup's ongoing research into workplace engagement confirms that employees who feel their manager is invested in their growth are more engaged and productive.

Before implementing any plan, reflect on these critical points:

• Customization is Crucial: A generic, one-size-fits-all PIP is rarely effective. Tailor the goals, metrics, and support systems to the specific individual and their unique challenges. Use the templates from Notion or ClickUp as a highly customizable base.
• Objectivity is Non-Negotiable: Ground your PIP in concrete, observable behaviors and measurable data points. Avoid vague statements or subjective judgments. This protects both the employee and the organization and sets clear, achievable expectations.
• Support Defines Success: The plan must detail the resources you will provide. This could include additional training, regular one-on-one coaching, mentorship from a senior team member, or access to specific tools. A PIP without a clear support structure is merely a list of demands.

Selecting Your Ideal Performance Improvement Plan Template

Choosing the right tool depends entirely on your organization's context, resources, and specific needs.

• For speed and simplicity: Look to resources like Betterteam or Indeed for straightforward, downloadable templates that you can implement quickly.
• For robust, integrated systems: If you manage a larger team or operate within a complex HR ecosystem, platforms like Lattice or HR Acuity offer comprehensive solutions that tie performance management directly into your existing workflows.
• For ultimate flexibility: For managers who want complete control over the structure and content, building a custom solution using a ClickUp template or a Notion database provides unparalleled adaptability.

Regardless of your choice, the implementation process is paramount. Approach every PIP conversation as a partnership aimed at mutual success. By combining the right performance improvement plan templates with a mindset focused on growth and support, you can turn a difficult situation into a meaningful opportunity for professional development and renewed team contribution.

While templates provide a crucial framework for performance conversations, ensuring alignment from day one is even more powerful. MyCulture.ai helps you hire for deep-rooted cultural fit, reducing the likelihood of performance issues stemming from a core mismatch. By assessing candidates on values, behaviors, and communication styles, you build resilient, high-performing teams from the start. Learn more at MyCulture.ai.