A performance improvement plan (PIP) is a document that aims to help employees who are not meeting job performance goals. A PIP covers specific areas of performance deficiencies, identifies skills or training gaps and sets clear expectations for an associate’s future conduct. Objectives must be met within a certain period, and failure to do so may result in employment actions (such as termination). The role of HR in a PIP is to work with the employee’s managers to determine whether a PIP is appropriate and to provide guidance to both the manager and employee for the duration of the plan.