{"id":5916,"date":"2024-09-05T14:36:37","date_gmt":"2024-09-05T14:36:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/?post_type=resources&p=5916"},"modified":"2026-09-25T10:41:56","modified_gmt":"2026-09-25T15:41:56","slug":"underperforming-employee","status":"publish","type":"resources","link":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/talent-management\/underperforming-employee\/","title":{"rendered":"How to deal with an underperforming employee"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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by Brightmine<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

An underperforming employee is an employee whose performance falls short of the employer\u2019s expectations and the job’s requirements. Poor employee performance may result in decreased business results, quality assurance concerns, preventable workplace accidents and increased disengagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Effective performance management by supervisors and HR professionals is particularly crucial in a challenging business climate. If left unaddressed, poor performance can fuel distrust in the organization\u2019s leadership, which may lead to avoidable attrition<\/a>. It can also create a poor employee experience<\/a>, negatively impacting high performing teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To maintain positive talent outcomes, leaders must determine how to address poor performance effectively. In this resource, we provide step-by-step guidance for managing an underperforming employee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Identify poor employee performance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First, you must be able to identify poor employee performance and be prepared to address it immediately. Once you’ve identified a performance issue, communicate your concerns to them as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When communicating the performance issue, try to determine its cause. Reviewing the employee\u2019s record may help guide the direction of your conversation. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n