What to do if you get put on a Performance Improvement Plan?

#tech #blackintech
It's clear that it's a difficult subject to bring up.
If an employee is not performing at a satisfactory level, this can be a tricky subject to address. However, it's a discussion that needs to be had, especially if a decline in productivity begins to affect your coworkers.
We oftentimes forget that simple gestures such as recognizing great work, or celebrating an employee's work anniversary go a long way in establishing a great professional relationship.
Listen to how our host @Samantha Bretous and @nikemacodes feel about PIPs.
Have you ever been put through a Performance Improvement Plan? Let us know in the comments!
Timestamps
- 0:00 - 0:35 Intro
- 0:35 - 5:49 The Truth about Performance Improvement Plans
- 5:51 - 6:18 Managers’ role when deciding to use a PIP?
- 6:18 - 6:26 Closing Remarks
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Thank you so much for listening and don’t forget to leave us a review! And hit the subscribe button to keep up with future episodes.
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________________
Music:
Dance by Spiring / user-57630131
Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0
Host:
INSTAGRAM | / samanthabretous
TWITTER | / samanthabretous
TIKTOK | / samanthabretous
LINKEDIN | / samanthabretous
Guest:
INSTAGRAM | / nikema
TWITTER | / dev_nikema
LINKEDIN | / nikemaprophet

[@brandilatham7047]

Immediately start looking for another job

[@deeperthantech]

There are plenty of other jobs out there!

[@brandilatham7047]

@@deeperthantech right!

[@T1Oracle]

Run, don't walk.

[@christinamorales6887]

It’s the paper trail advise by HR to start the paper trail needed to fire you.

[@MindfulDailyJourney]

As a manager, I can say that a pip is a last resort and I hate having to do them. A good manager will give you goals you can reasonably achieve and they will make dedicated time every week and even everyday to help you achieve those goals. Your manager should celebrate your progress and not expect perfection but recognize your steps towards improvement. It really depends on your manager. Are they supportive? Are they honest with you? Are they making the time to help you succeed? If no, then it is time to look for a new job. If you don't get the support you need then find a company and manager that puts you first. If yes, then give it a chance because your manager does not want to let you go.

[@swnerd-2320]

I had a boss once who was a complete nightmare and the total opposite of what you suggested a manager should be. She set high, unrealistic expectations for a new employee and documented every error I made to be used against me. She wanted me placed on a PIP after only my first month in the new job. She was also a major micromanager and wanted me to carbon copy her on every outgoing email I sent out. I did end up filing complaints against her with HR and the EEOC for discrimination before finding another job.

[@dylan-yq5ix]

Got put on a corrective action for refusing to do my team leads job. Boss was so darn cocky telling me this would follow me my entire career. Jokes on her. In 6 years I make triple what I did, so thank you.

[@deeperthantech]

Okay, prove them wrong!!

[@bethaniejohnson6474]

I’m going through the same thing now. The most terrifying thing to know that your job is at risk 😢

[@deeperthantech]

It's a scary feeling, for sure. But you're not alone!

[@user-mj1vb8jr6j]

Yeah I hear this one loud and clear. Just made it a year on my new job and after a boss left due to a million HR issues I keep getting crazy crazy meetings with my new boss. She micromanages me, tells me I cannot talk about my ADHD to classes I teach (in corporate training). Started my HR process already and looking at lawyers for discrimination. I have everything in writing even the illegal stuff they are telling me. It’s on son, I will not take this lying down.

[@user-eh4bm2od1s]

Hi. I came to this video just to look for everything as I am being threatened to put on pip/pop. I am sorry to know this, and I understand the feelings of the job being at risk. I hope you are okay (although it is cliche to say this).

[@johntyler74]

I have been on a PIP. I was devastated. I no longer work at the organisation

[@pinklobelia2389]

My own manager, who has administered PIPs, said it pretty much means you have two months to find another job. So by leaving, you gave your company what they wanted. Sometimes people come back from PIPs, too. They give PIPs because they need documentation that you weren’t let go for anything illegal in case you come back and sue them.

[@azizabahati7037]

Looking for videos that showcase the other side of PIP. The successes after receiving a PIP and next steps.

[@maxalberts2003]

I was BY FAR the worst employee at the company from which I retired. Not one PIP, sterling reviews, raises, increased benefits. My colleague who slaved day and night was put on a PIP for wearing a "too short" skirt--one day only--while our manager came to work in tight dresses, necklines cut practically to her navel. Everything at that organization was based on one's popularity with management. I stayed because I wanted to retire early. Ugh.

[@8383kathy]

Thank you for sharing this transparent experience. I have been struggling on my PIP as I was giving 10 days to improve or else. These last 10 days have been HELL!

[@deeperthantech]

Glad this helps you!☺

[@Gofigure901]

Same I needed this. My supervisor gave me a week lmaoo

[@MindfulDailyJourney]

A 10 day pip does not sound legal unless you have done something serious like harassment, job abandonment, etc.

[@monabiehl6213]

I've been put on PIP many times. I couldn't get enough claims entered. Many years later my wrists still hurt. I'd come home with swollen, sore wrists. I was told if I sat properly or lost weight and so on and so forth my wrists wouldn't hurt. I was assigned the claims that were more difficult to enter. I had the most problem when I was 61 going on 62. I noticed that a lot of 61 year-olds were getting fired, just before turning 62. Some of these people had been with the firm for many years. Why were they suddenly not efficient. I managed to hang on until I was 62 and then I retired and started collecting social security and a pension. I also got a part time job. I'm sure my supervisor was told to do what she could do so I would be let go.

[@zxcvzxcvzxc]

Literally went through this today! Oh my gosh and it was all the same but did not know about the severance but what’s odd is they were like you can come back at anytime but then you put me on pip and make my anxiety even worse and let alone you don’t have anything else. To each is own but at the same time do what’s gonna be best for you and be honest with yourself but the company. And yes I’m sad but I can tell you that I’m much more relieved 😅 thank you for the podcast!!!! Doing great!!

[@user-my3wr8ts7i]

I just received a PIP after an evaluation yesterday. I'm devastated.

[@deeperthantech]

It really is. What are you going to do now?

[@cynthiacarter1939]

Just got mine today and I am super devastated and lost. HR says it depends on you respond and it’s not all that bad. Not sure what to do but I feel like they will let me go. This happened to me 4 years ago. It’s hard.

[@Pinkkermit17]

@@cynthiacarter1939how is it going for you ? My boss just put me on one, and I been going through so many emotions that leads me into depression.

[@jenniferbrat]

@@turbo5690what ended up happening?

[@donaldrocky296]

@@jenniferbrati want to know too lol

[@jackcarraway4707]

If your manager tries to put you on a PIP, tell them you need 24 hours to "go over everything" before you sign anything. Proceed to never return to that job. That bridge was already burnt so don't waste your time there.

[@deeperthantech]

Agree!

[@kurttrue]

That's just about exactly what I did. Long ago. The best years of my life began the day I told my manager to take that PIP and shove it.

[@annielin2894]

I have an employment attorney right now I filed for Racial Microaggression to HR and to DEI and they put me for to PIT.

[@joelrionstaves4684]

Amen!

[@sailorspills3025]

I quit my job after I got a PiP. I Like seeing comments like these, as it reassures me that I made the right decision :)

[@TaureanDreams]

Thanks so much for sharing!

[@deeperthantech]

Very much welcome!

[@annielin2894]

My situation was so malicious!

[@pinklobelia2389]

My own manager, who has administered PIPs, staid it was pretty much means you have two months to find another job. So by leaving, you gave your company what they wanted. Sometimes people to come back from PIPs, too. They give PIPs because they need documentation that you weren’t let go for anything illegal in case you come back and sue them.

[@swnerd-2320]

I have been placed on PIPs twice before in two separate jobs. I worked for a small company where I was disliked by the trainers who neglected my training so the managers put the blame on me and placed me on a 2 week PIP to catch up with my training or be terminated. In the second job, I had a boss who was set high, unrealistic expectations for a new employee and documented every error I made to be used against me. She wanted me placed on a PIP after only my first month in the new job. She was also a major micromanager and wanted me to carbon copy her on every outgoing email I sent out. I did end up filing complaints against her with HR and the EEOC for discrimination before finding another job.

[@annielin2894]

I put in a PIT I signed and say acknowledged and sent an email to a rebuttal and then disagree in a respectful way!

[@SweetnSourqt3]

What was their response to your rebuttal?

[@sailorspills3025]

I got out on a PIP a few days after they told me that I’d passed my probation period

[@parler8698]

Pip is to get rid of you.

[@deeperthantech]

Some people think of it that way, correct

[@annielin2894]

Samanthan I got promoted 2/8/23 as a new SDR 2 then my new manager set up a ploy and start giving me write ups 3/1/23 then he did it 3 times then I escalated to DEI and Business Partner and to no agreement they put me to a PIT so I have an employment attorney now intent to sue.

[@deeperthantech]

I'm sorry to hear about the difficult situation you've been facing at work. It sounds like you have taken appropriate steps by escalating the issue to DEI and the Business Partner. Seeking legal advice from an employment attorney can provide you with guidance and support during this challenging time. It's important to ensure your rights are protected and that you have a fair resolution to the situation. Best of luck with your legal proceedings, and I hope you find a resolution that works in your favor.

[@andrewh2u]

Its just a paper trail to cover the ash of company HR if the victim makes any legal claim when fired. Act accordingly.

[@christinamorales6887]

It’s the start of the paper trail to fire you.

[@LifeWithBianka]

Would you leave a company before the last of your pip or wait it out?

[@LifeWithBianka]

Sorry the last day of your PIP?

[@deeperthantech]

​@@LifeWithBianka It is really up to your financial situation.

[@sailorspills3025]

I waited the 30 days and then they said they haven’t made a decision yet and can’t fire me as they hadn’t got anyone in Hr anymore lol. So I resigned

[@evilzzzability]

She's doesn't sound like a high performer and providing value to her ex employer TBF.

[@MiaQuacko]

Specially if you are a minority

[@deeperthantech]

Yess!

[@MiaQuacko]

@@deeperthantech no one cares about a lazy employee but they do notice a minority employee trying as hard as possible not to drawn .. oh this is the expectation!! me: well everyone else calls into meetings from the car, why am I getting reprimanded for my laptop camera not working when I’m in the office ??

[@philn5703]

Find another job. Quit your current job ASAP. It's pretty simple.

[@kenyasmith2652]

I apologize if I’m all over the place, but here’s my story: In late February 2022, I worked remotely for a small company located in Iowa as a featured web writer. I basically wrote articles that focused on how to use products from a well-known tech brand. I felt like I was on cloud 9 after years of looking and applying for jobs. I was doing something that I enjoyed, the people seemed nice and were eager to help me, I got to travel to Iowa (plane ticket and hotel room was paid for by the company) for company week in July and really enjoyed myself. They even told me not to be afraid of asking for help and to utilize resources. I even had articles that were doing really good with clicks and views. My boss would express how she was proud of me for opening up about any difficulties that I was facing in regards to doing my job. All of that changed in October. On October 4th, I had told my boss that I needed help in an area that I knew I wasn’t improving on, and again, she expressed how proud she was of me for opening up about that and that she would do everything she could to help me. In the early hours of October 5th, my mom and I had to move out of our apartment because our jerk of a third-floor neighbor flooded us out, and we lived on the first floor. We had to stay at a hotel. At that time, we had no idea when we were going to either move back in or get another permanent place to stay. Plus, my mom had to do training for dialysis, and she needed a stable place to live. Thankfully, I had some PTO left and I told my former boss and the execs the situation, and they let me take some 2 weeks off to focus on moving our stuff out from the apartment so that it could be worked on. After the two weeks and still at the hotel, I went back to work on Oct 17, and my boss welcomed me back and told me that I need to do my employee evaluation. I decided to get it over with. I took the Zoom call, and that’s when they (the execs) told me that I was going to be put on probation due to performance. So, I was put on a PIP. What really didn’t sit well with me was when one of the execs mentioned that they fired a co-worker of mine because “he wasn’t interested in improving his performance.” He was hired a week after I was hired. I felt that disclosing his termination during my evaluation was a bit unprofessional of the execs to do. I might be wrong, but I heard that when you do an employee evaluation, it isn’t a good idea to talk about other employees. Anyway, the execs were like, “We don’t want to let go of you, and that’s why we’re putting you on probation.” Then, they talked about what they enjoyed about me, as if that was going to make things better. After the execs left the call, my boss told me that it had surprised her that they were going to make that decision regarding my employment (she participated in the call), but that she would make sure that she would help me make improvements on my performance. They didn’t give a certain time frame for the probation, and I was hoping I would be able to redeem myself. My mom and I finally moved into another apartment in early November, and I had to take some more days off to accompany my mom with her dialysis training. Both November and December were very busy when it came to work due to it being the holiday season. Not only was I writing articles and reporting to my boss and two other people, I was also answering tickets from people who read the articles from the website, and the volume was usually high. Plus, answering tickets was very stressful because you have to make sure that you’re providing accurate information, and many of the tickets that people sent had very complex questions. The co-worker that they had let go of was doing the same tasks as I was doing, so that meant more work for me. Then, around that time, my boss wasn’t available as usual because she had a family crisis. She would pop up every now and then, but she basically made sure that the two co-workers that I reported to supervised my performance. My workload was very heavy. One Thursday in December, one the execs wanted me to join Zoom call, and I was nervous. I joined the chat, and they wanted to let me know that I was getting a bonus, and told me that I deserved it for working hard. I was relieved because I thought they were going to fire me then. Then, they decided to change the format of the web articles. On Jan 4th, My boss told me to join a Zoom call, and I already knew what it was about. They basically said I was being let go. They even talked about how they enjoyed me and how I was such a hard worker. I hated it because I felt that I had fitted in. A few weeks after I was let go, I decided to check on the co-worker that they had fired prior to me. He told me that they had fired him two days into his probation. The whole, ”He wasn’t interested in improving his performance” explanation doesn’t make any sense because how can someone tell in two days if a person isn’t showing interest in improving their performance? To me, that’s not enough time, but of course Iowa is an “at-will” state. It was a shock to me when the execs brought it up because I felt that this co-worker was doing better than I was doing. I hope he’s doing okay. Another thing that kind of makes me wonder was that a month or two before I got flooded out, my boss reached out to me to see if I could answer tickets from customers, and I said yes because I remembered seeing the task as part of the job description when I applied. Guess what? She had asked the same co-worker at the same time and we both were trained at the same time. So, I feel that they were already planning to let us go. Also, while I was out due to the flooding, they were interviewing with one of the freelancers that write articles for their website, and they hired him to replace the co-worker who got fired. I got to meet him, and he was nice. But that goes to say they were already making changes within the company. When I was employed at that place, I felt a sense of belonging somewhere. Even when I went to Iowa for company week, I enjoyed myself. They even gave everyone a t-shirt and a water bottle with the company logo. We even took company photos. I wore that shirt and used that bottle with pride, and I was hoping that I would be able to attend this year’s company week. Now that I’m no longer working there, I can’t even bear to look at the shirt and the bottle. They say it was due to performance, but sometimes I wonder. Maybe they saw that I enjoyed my job “too much”. Maybe it was due to me being the only Black person working there at the time, and they just chose me as a diversity hire. I will never know, but I do feel that something was a bit off about the situation. As for me, I’m currently applying for jobs and I’m working on getting a Google certificate for UX design through Coursera. Wish me well.

[@deeperthantech]

Your story is not all over the place. Thank you for sharing your story, and I'm sorry to hear about your experience. It's clear that you had a positive start in your role and felt a sense of belonging, which makes the sudden change and subsequent termination difficult to process. While it's natural to speculate about the reasons behind your termination, it's challenging to definitively identify the motivations of others. It's important to remember your own worth and capabilities, regardless of the circumstances. Keep pursuing opportunities that align with your skills and interests, and remain optimistic about the future. I wish you the best of luck in your job search and in obtaining the Google certificate for UX design. Stay motivated and continue to believe in your abilities. You have the potential to achieve great things. Reach out to us on Twitter or instagram, if you would like to share your story on the show.

[@kenyasmith2652]

@@deeperthantech Thank you. Another thing that I forgot to mention is that I currently live with my mom as a live-in aid, so I do get paid for that. However, if something were to happen to her, and God forbid that happens anytime soon, I will be in a very difficult spot because I’m not on the lease for the apartment that I share with my mom. While I’m applying for jobs and trying to get my certificate, the thought of something happening to my mom and me not having a place to stay, it’s haunting. That’s another reason why it bothered me that I was let go. I really wanted to be able to be on my own, hopefully be able have my own family, and not worry about how would I make it if something were to happen to my mom. I’m 29 years old, and it seems like when I take one step forward, I go ten steps backwards. Also, I would love to share my story. Where do I go on your IG page to do that?

[@deeperthantech]

@@kenyasmith2652 you can message our page on our IG. Here is the link: instagram.com/deeperthantech.

[@cynthiacarter1939]

Good luck great story! This shit is hard !!!!