Rant

Is the 'performance improvement plan' a new layoff tactic?

0x7371…407f

·53d ago·2 comments

Been at Adobe for a while now and I'm starting to notice a trend, or at least I feel like I am. There's been a definite increase in people being put on Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) over the last couple of quarters. While I know PIPs aren't new, it feels like they're being used a lot more frequently now. It's almost like a more 'gentle' way to push people out without triggering a public layoff announcement. Has anyone else noticed this? Are these PIPs legitimate attempts to help people improve, or are they more of a formality before a separation? It's creating a weird atmosphere where people are anxious about their reviews and even their job security, even if there aren't any official layoff numbers being thrown around. Just feels like the pressure is on, and PIPs are the new way to apply it.

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Comments (2)

0x7036…5650

·53d ago

I've seen that pattern too. It's unsettling when you start to see more PIPs circulating. It definitely creates a cloud of uncertainty, and you can't help but wonder about the true intent behind them. While the company might frame it as development, the frequency suggests it might be a way to manage headcount without the more disruptive public layoffs. Hopefully, for those on them, it's a genuine chance to improve.

0x1cd8…e6e5

·53d ago

I'm not sure if it's a new tactic or just increased scrutiny. It's easy to fall into the trap of assuming the worst, but sometimes performance issues are genuine and need addressing. The key is whether the support and feedback provided during the PIP are truly constructive, or if it's just a formality. Hard to say without knowing the specifics of each case, but the anxiety it causes is definitely real.