How to Use ClickUp PIP Templates

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How to Use ClickUp Performance Improvement Plan Templates

ClickUp makes it easier to build, manage, and track a performance improvement plan (PIP) so managers and HR teams can confidently support struggling employees and document progress.

This how-to guide walks you through using ready-made performance improvement plan templates and related tools so you can turn a difficult coaching conversation into a structured, fair, and measurable process.

What a Performance Improvement Plan Is

A performance improvement plan is a formal document that outlines where an employee is falling short and what must change within a set time frame.

A strong PIP typically includes:

  • Clear description of performance issues
  • Objective, measurable goals tied to the role
  • Specific actions the employee and manager will take
  • Support and resources available to the employee
  • A defined timeline and review checkpoints
  • Criteria for successful completion (or next steps if goals are not met)

Using a structured template saves time, ensures consistency, and helps protect the company and the employee by documenting expectations and outcomes.

Why Use ClickUp for Performance Improvement Plans

Managing a PIP involves documentation, tasks, deadlines, and ongoing communication. ClickUp brings all of these into one place so nothing falls through the cracks.

Key advantages include:

  • Centralized documentation in Docs and tasks
  • Goal tracking and measurable targets
  • Automations for reminders and status changes
  • Comment threads for transparent communication
  • Templates you can reuse for every performance improvement case

With the right ClickUp structure, you can standardize PIPs across teams, reduce manual work, and make performance management more transparent.

Step 1: Choose a ClickUp PIP Template

The source article on performance improvement plan templates highlights multiple formats you can adapt inside ClickUp. Start by picking the one that best fits your need:

  • Basic PIP template: Ideal for individual contributors and straightforward performance gaps.
  • Detailed PIP template: Best for complex roles or when HR needs more rigorous documentation.
  • Behavioral PIP template: Focused on attendance, conduct, or teamwork issues.
  • Sales or KPI-driven PIP template: Geared toward roles with clear numeric targets.

Within ClickUp, you can recreate the structure of any of these templates using Docs, tasks, custom fields, and custom views.

To view the original template layouts and language, review the source page here: performance improvement plan templates.

Step 2: Create a Dedicated ClickUp Space or Folder

To keep performance improvement plans organized and secure, create a dedicated area in ClickUp for HR and managers.

  1. Create a Space or Folder labeled something like “Performance Management.”

  2. Within that, add a List named “Performance Improvement Plans.”

  3. Configure privacy so only HR and relevant managers can access the List and PIP documents.

This structure lets you keep all PIPs in one place while still linking individual items to teams, projects, or goals elsewhere in ClickUp.

Step 3: Build Your ClickUp PIP Template Task

Next, turn the written PIP format into a reusable task-based template in ClickUp.

  1. Create a new task in your “Performance Improvement Plans” List named “PIP Master Template.”

  2. In the task description, add key sections from the PIP structure:

    • Employee details and role
    • Summary of performance issues
    • Performance expectations and standards
    • Specific goals and metrics
    • Action plan and support
    • Timeline and review dates
    • Consequences if improvement is not achieved

  3. Add Custom Fields such as:

    • PIP Start Date
    • PIP End Date
    • Manager
    • HR Partner
    • Status (Draft, Active, Completed, Not Met)

  4. Attach any policy documents, handbooks, or performance guidelines your company uses.

  5. Save this task as a Task Template so you can quickly spin up a new PIP when needed.

Step 4: Open a New PIP in ClickUp

Whenever you need to start a new performance improvement plan, use the template task instead of building from scratch.

  1. From your PIP List, click Add Task and choose the “PIP Master Template.”

  2. Name the task with the employee’s name and the PIP period (for example, “PIP – Jordan Smith – Q2”).

  3. Fill out all custom fields and the description sections with the specific performance details and expectations.

  4. Attach any recent performance reviews or documentation that support the PIP.

This method keeps each PIP as a single source of truth within ClickUp.

Step 5: Turn PIP Goals into ClickUp Subtasks

A PIP is most effective when each expectation is translated into clear, trackable action items. Use subtasks or checklist items in ClickUp to capture these.

  1. List each goal or expectation as a subtask with its own due date.

  2. Assign the subtasks to the employee so responsibility is clear.

  3. Add measurable success criteria in each subtask’s description, such as:

    • “Achieve at least 90% on quality audits for four consecutive weeks.”
    • “Respond to customer tickets within 2 business hours for 30 days.”

  4. Optionally, add a Priority level to highlight must-hit goals.

This structure lets you track completion visually and share progress with HR and leadership.

Step 6: Use ClickUp Docs for Formal PIP Documentation

Many organizations require a signed, narrative-style PIP document in addition to task tracking. ClickUp Docs provide a flexible place to host that formal document.

  1. Create a new Doc titled with the employee’s name and PIP period.

  2. Use headings to match the sections described on the performance improvement plan template source page.

  3. Link the Doc in the main PIP task and, if needed, embed the task inside the Doc for context.

  4. Share the Doc with the employee, manager, and HR, and use comments to collaborate on wording or clarifications.

Docs and tasks together ensure that both the legal language and the day-to-day follow-through stay connected within ClickUp.

Step 7: Track Progress and Hold Check-ins in ClickUp

Execution and follow-up make or break a performance improvement plan. Use ClickUp features to keep momentum and visibility.

Set Reminders and Automations in ClickUp

  • Use due dates and reminders on the main PIP task and each subtask.
  • Create simple Automations to update the PIP status when all subtasks are completed or when a due date passes.
  • Add recurring tasks for weekly or bi-weekly check-in meetings.

Use Comments and Attachments in ClickUp

  • Log meeting notes and decisions directly in the task comments.
  • Upload evidence of improvement (reports, metrics, customer feedback) as attachments.
  • Tag HR or leadership when you need review or escalation.

Monitor PIP Outcomes in ClickUp Views

  • Use a Board View arranged by PIP Status (Draft, Active, Completed, Not Met) to see every active plan at a glance.
  • Consider a Table View with custom fields visible so HR can quickly filter by department, manager, or end date.

Step 8: Close the PIP and Document the Outcome

When the PIP period ends or all goals are met, finalize the process within ClickUp.

  1. Update the PIP task status to “Completed” or “Not Met.”

  2. Add a summary comment capturing:

    • Overall outcome
    • Key improvements achieved
    • Remaining concerns, if any
    • Next steps for the employee (regular performance cycle, further coaching, or other actions)

  3. Update the Doc with a closing section that matches your internal HR requirements.

  4. Move the task into an “Archived” or “Closed PIPs” list for record-keeping.

This approach maintains a full audit trail and helps refine your future performance improvement plan templates.

Improve Your PIP Process Beyond ClickUp

While ClickUp handles structure, documentation, and tracking, you may also want expert help designing fair policies, writing strong performance language, or aligning PIPs with broader talent strategy.

Specialized consultancies such as Consultevo can help you improve your overall performance management framework while you continue to manage the day-to-day workflow in ClickUp.

Next Steps

To recap, using ClickUp for performance improvement plans involves:

  • Selecting a proven PIP structure from the source templates
  • Creating a secure performance management Space
  • Building a reusable PIP task template
  • Turning expectations into trackable subtasks
  • Maintaining a formal PIP Doc alongside tasks
  • Tracking progress and documenting outcomes

By combining clear expectations with the workflow power of ClickUp, you create a transparent, consistent, and supportive process that helps employees improve while protecting your organization.

Need Help With ClickUp?

If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your ClickUp workspace, work with ConsultEvo — trusted ClickUp Solution Partners.

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