Performance Improvement Plan Template Pack | Editable Word Document | Australian HR

Most managers don't have a performance management process. They have good intentions, an uncomfortable conversation that's been delayed too long, and a blank page.

This pack gives you the framework. Clear, professionally designed, and built on real operational management experience — not HR theory. Everything you need to run a fair, documented performance improvement process, from the first formal conversation through to the review outcome.

What's in the pack

• Editable Performance Improvement Plan template (Microsoft Word) — structured sections covering the performance concern, specific expectations, support to be provided, timeline, and review checkpoints. Protected form fields keep the design intact while you fill it in.
• Step-by-step guidance notes — plain English instructions for completing each section of the PIP, so you're not guessing what goes where.
• Sample language guide — what to write (and what to avoid). Particularly useful if you've never done this before or want a second opinion on your wording.
• 4-week and 8-week review schedule tracker — built-in structure for tracking check-ins and progress across the PIP period.
• Meeting record template — a companion document for noting what was discussed, agreed, and actioned at each PIP meeting.
• Check out the FAQ attached to the downloads for further information.

Format: Microsoft Word (.docx) + PDF | A4

New to performance management?

Read our plain-English guide to [managing underperformance under Fair Work] before you start.

How it works

Download immediately after purchase. Open in Microsoft Word, add your organisation's name and logo, and you're ready. The editable fields are clearly marked; the rest of the design stays locked so it always looks professional — even at 9pm when you're trying to get this done before tomorrow.

Who this is for

Small business owners, team leaders, operations managers, and HR generalists who need to manage a performance issue properly — without spending hours building something from scratch, and without a HR department sitting behind them.

A note on legal grounding

This template is built on Fair Work Act 2009 principles and Fair Work Ombudsman best practice guidelines. It's not legal advice, and for complex or high-risk situations you should get professional guidance. But it gives you a solid, defensible starting point that reflects what a fair process actually looks like.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP)?
A PIP is a structured, written plan that sets out where an employee's performance isn't meeting expectations, what needs to change, what support they'll get, and over what timeframe. It's the fair, documented way to manage underperformance — and it protects both the manager and the employee by making the process clear.

Is this template suitable for Australian workplaces?
Yes. It's built specifically for Australia, on Fair Work Act 2009 principles and Fair Work Ombudsman best practice guidelines. It reflects what a fair process actually looks like under Australian law.

Is this legal advice?
No. It gives you a solid, defensible starting point based on Fair Work best practice, but it isn't legal advice. For complex or high-risk situations — or anything you're unsure about — get professional guidance.

Do I need HR experience to use it?
Not at all. The pack is made for managers and small business owners who don't have an HR department. It includes plain-English guidance notes for every section and a sample language guide, so you're never guessing what to write.

What's included in the pack?
An editable PIP template (Microsoft Word), step-by-step guidance notes, a sample language guide for what to write and what to avoid, a 4-week and 8-week review schedule tracker, and a meeting record template for documenting each conversation.

What format is it, and can I edit it?
It's a Microsoft Word (.docx) file plus a PDF, in A4. The fields you fill in are clearly marked, and the rest of the design stays locked so it always looks professional. You can add your organisation's name and logo.

How long should a PIP run?
It depends on the role and the issues, but four to eight weeks is common. The pack includes both a 4-week and an 8-week review schedule so you can pick what suits the situation.

How do I get it after I buy?
It downloads immediately after purchase. Open it in Microsoft Word, add your details, and you're ready to go.