What is underperformance?

• Failure to perform the duties of the position or to perform them to the standard required
• Non-compliance with workplace policies, rules or procedures
• Unacceptable behaviour in the workplace
• Disruptive or negative behaviour that impacts on co-workers

Why manage underperforming employees?

• Because not confronting poor performance causes lost productivity and has a demoralising effect across an organisation
• Because employers who focus on good practice in performance management – particularly in challenging times – benefit from motivated staff performing at their best

How do you manage underperformance?

• First, check whether poor performance is a problem, through a fairly-applied Performance Management Assessment or 360 Degree Feedback to get rounded perspectives of employees and assess the severity of any emerging issues
• Where underperformance exists, act quickly: discuss the facts privately with anyone concerned (behaviours and outcomes); then jointly set clear and realistic objectives (an action plan or Personal Improvement Plan (PIP) so that the employee knows what they are expected to do and any time scales
• Ensure the organisation has provided sufficient resources for the employee to carry out the role successfully
• Offer coaching, guidance, encouragement and support as required – you want performance to improve. Review the plans and outcomes
• Where underperformance continues, follow your organisation’s procedures tightly (based on ACAS and CIPD guidelines). Consider all options creatively – including training, coaching, redeployment, reassignment of work – and all well before warnings and dismissal

People Resolutions can help you:

• Planning: Using Performance Management Assessment or 360 Degree Feedback tools as well as helping to create and implement Managing Underperformance policies and  procedures
• Prevention: Training managers to manage underperformance issues within an ever-changing legal framework and to offer appropriate support to their employees
• Resolution: For individual issues and potential conflicts arising from employee underperformance issues, including coaching, facilitation, consultancy, ‘Fit for Work’ assessment and case management, Mediation and Investigation
  
  

To discuss further, call us free on 0800 6125 110, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or download our fact sheet.