Can we cut a performance improvement plan short if the employee’s performance issues have gotten substantially worse?

Answer from Janelle, SHRM-CP, SHRM-PMQ:

In general, yes. When an employee is on a performance improvement plan (PIP), and their performance has not improved and has, in fact, gotten worse, it is perfectly reasonable to cut the timeframe of the PIP short and move forward with further disciplinary action, including termination. Unless it’s written to say otherwise—and it absolutely shouldn’t be—a PIP is not a guarantee of employment for the duration of the plan. It shouldn’t alter the at-will employment relationship.

Just be sure that you are following historical practices if you have had similar situations in the past. The most important thing is to remain consistent. Document—and tell the employee—the reason why the PIP was cut short, listing each policy violation or performance issue individually, in case you are asked to provide context at a later date.

Janelle has over 19 years of HR Practitioner experience within the healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing industries. She has worked in HR roles as an HR Manager, HR Generalist, and Sr. Recruiter managing hiring, onboarding, payroll, employee relations, and staffing. Janelle holds certifications from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business and the Society of Human Resource Management.