How to Write a Performance Improvement Email Sample that Gets Results

Are you tired of sending lackluster performance improvement emails to your team? Do you struggle to capture their attention and get them motivated to improve? Well, you’re not alone. Crafting an effective performance improvement email can be a daunting task, but it’s essential for the growth and success of your team.

That’s why we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of performance improvement email samples that you can use as a guide and edit as needed. Whether you’re trying to motivate your team to hit sales targets, improve customer service, or boost productivity, we’ve got you covered.

The best part? These examples are tried and tested, so you can be confident that they’ll get results. Say goodbye to lackluster emails that go unnoticed, and hello to engaged team members who are inspired to improve.

So if you’re ready to take your performance improvement emails to the next level, look no further than our sample emails. Your team will thank you for the support and encouragement, and you’ll see the results in their improved performance.

The Best Structure for a Performance Improvement Email

When it comes to improving performance, communication plays a vital role in keeping the team on track. Emails can reach your team members in a matter of seconds, but it’s essential to follow the right structure to ensure that your message is received and acted upon.

Here are some elements that should be included in your performance improvement email:

Start with the Purpose or Goal

Begin your email with a clear and concise statement of the purpose or goal of the email. Your goal should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timed (SMART).

For example, ‘The purpose of this email is to improve our team’s productivity by reducing the number of unnecessary meetings we have each week.’

Provide Context and Clear Examples

Next, give some context around the goal and explain why it’s important to the team’s success. Use clear examples to illustrate the problem, and make sure everyone understands why changes are necessary.

For instance, ‘As you know, our team has been struggling to meet all our deadlines, and I believe the number of meetings we are having each week is contributing to this problem. We’ve had six meetings last week, and only two were critical. Therefore, we need to reduce the number of meetings to focus more on our core tasks.’

Offer Specific Actions to Take

It’s not enough to tell your team what the problem is – provide them with specific actions they need to take to improve performance. Be clear, concise, and direct, and ensure everyone knows what is expected of them.

For instance, ‘Going forward, I’d like everyone to treat meetings like deadlines. Every meeting needs to have a clear agenda, goals, and time limit. Meetings without a clear agenda will be canceled. In addition, let’s aim for no more than two meetings per week.’

End with a Positive, Encouraging Note

A performance improvement email can be perceived as criticism, so it’s essential to end on a positive note, encouraging everyone to take action and work together to achieve the goal.

For instance, ‘I’m confident that with these changes, we will be able to get back on track and meet our deadlines. Let’s work together and support each other in implementing these changes. Thank you for your cooperation.’

In conclusion, a well-structured performance improvement email can help your team stay on track and achieve their goals. Follow the SMART format, provide context and clear examples, offer specific actions to take, and end on a positive note. With these elements in mind, you can communicate effectively and help everyone work towards success.

Sample Performance Improvement Email Templates

Improving Communication Skills

Dear [Employee Name],

We have noticed that there have been some communication breakdowns within the team, which has led to a few misunderstandings and mistakes. To help improve your communication skills, we recommend that you start actively listening to your colleagues, paraphrasing information back to them, and asking clarifying questions to ensure that you fully understand what they are saying.

We also suggest that you work on your written communication skills by reviewing your emails for clarity, conciseness, and professionalism. You can also consider taking a communication course or workshop to further enhance your skills.

Thank you for your efforts to improve in this area and we look forward to seeing positive changes in the team’s communication.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Improving Time Management

Dear [Employee Name],

We have noticed that you have been struggling with managing your time effectively, which has led to missed deadlines and incomplete tasks. To help improve your time management skills, we recommend that you start by creating a to-do list at the beginning of each workday and prioritizing your tasks based on their importance and deadline.

You can also consider using time management tools such as a planner or calendar to help you stay on track. Additionally, you can try breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and scheduling specific times to work on them.

We believe that with some effort and dedication, you can improve your time management skills and become a more productive member of the team.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Improving Sales Performance

Dear [Employee Name],

We have noticed that your sales performance has been lagging behind your colleagues, which is affecting the overall performance of the team. To help improve your sales performance, we recommend that you start by analyzing your sales process and identifying areas where you can improve.

You can also try to enhance your selling skills by focusing on building rapport with customers, understanding their needs and wants, and providing them with solutions that meet their requirements.

We suggest that you work closely with your supervisor or a sales coach to develop a personalized improvement plan and track your progress regularly to ensure that you are making significant strides towards your goals.

Thank you for your commitment to improving your sales performance, and we look forward to seeing your progress.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Improving Customer Service Skills

Dear [Employee Name],

We have received feedback from customers about their unsatisfactory experience while interacting with you. To help improve your customer service skills, we recommend that you start by actively listening to customers’ concerns and empathizing with their feedback.

Additionally, you can work on improving your communication skills to ensure that you are providing clear and concise information to customers. You can also consider practicing active problem-solving by providing customers with solutions that meet their requests promptly.

We suggest that you work closely with your supervisor or a customer service expert to develop a personalized training plan and track your progress regularly to ensure measurable improvement in your skills.

Thank you for your commitment to providing excellent customer service, and we look forward to seeing a positive change in customer satisfaction ratings.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Improving Accountability

Dear [Employee Name],

We have noticed that there have been some instances where you have not taken accountability for your mistakes or have not followed through on your commitments. To help improve your accountability, we recommend that you start by taking ownership of your mistakes early on, and working quickly to correct them.

Additionally, you can work on managing expectations by setting realistic deadlines and delivering what you have promised within the agreed-upon time frame. You can also consider being transparent with your supervisor or team members about your challenges or barriers that may affect your work quality and productivity.

We suggest that you work closely with your supervisor or a coach to develop a personalized training plan and track your progress regularly to ensure measurable improvement in your accountability.

Thank you for your commitment to being an accountable team member, and we look forward to seeing a positive change in your work’s quality and consistency.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Improving Leadership Skills

Dear [Employee Name],

We have noticed some areas where you could improve your leadership skills to be a more effective team leader. To help improve your leadership skills, we recommend that you start by fostering open communication between team members and ensuring everyone feels heard and valued.

You can also work on developing your coaching skills by providing your team members with constructive feedback and guidance that helps everyone improve. Additionally, you can consider being a role model and setting guidelines that align with the company’s values and goals.

We suggest that you work closely with your supervisor or a leadership expert to develop a personalized training plan and track your progress regularly to ensure measurable improvement in your skills.

Thank you for your commitment to being a strong leader, and we look forward to seeing positive changes in the team’s performance and engagement.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Improving Technical Skills

Dear [Employee Name],

We have noticed that you have been struggling with using certain software or tools required for your job responsibilities. To help improve your technical skills, we recommend that you start by reviewing the software’s relevant training materials or tutorials.

You can also consider reaching out to colleagues who are proficient in using the software or search for online forums to find solutions to your questions or problems. Additionally, you can schedule a session with an IT specialist or support team to help you explore different functionalities of the software that may be useful to your role.

We suggest that you work closely with your supervisor or the IT department to develop a personalized learning plan and track your progress regularly to ensure measurable improvement in your technical skills.

Thank you for your efforts to improve in this area, and we look forward to seeing your progress and the positive impact on your performance.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Tips for Improving Email Performance

Email is still one of the most commonly used communication tools in the business world. Whether it’s used for sending out daily tasks or elaborating on complex projects—email’s versatility and simplicity make it a popular choice for most professionals. However, despite its usefulness, email also has some common performance issues that can impact efficiency and productivity. In this post, we’ll explore some tips for improving email performance so that you can optimize your communication and workflow.

Use Clear Subject Lines

One of the most common problems with email communication is that important messages can get lost in inboxes. With all the spam and automated emails that flood in your inbox every day, it’s essential to use clear and concise subject lines. A clear subject line can help your recipients understand what the email is about before they even open it. By doing so, you can improve your open rates and ensure that your message gets read.

Keep the Email Short and Simple

Another common problem with email communication is that some people tend to write lengthy emails with excessive details. While it’s important to provide sufficient information, it’s equally important to ensure that you keep the email short and straightforward. Try to get to the point quickly, so that your recipient can understand the message without unnecessary confusion. Present the most important information first and elaborate further as needed.

Respond Promptly

Email is still considered a time-sensitive communication tool. If you don’t respond promptly, the other person may have to wait for an extended period of time, which can impact their efficiency. To avoid this issue, try to respond as soon as possible. If you need more time to respond, it’s better to send a quick, courteous email letting the sender know when they can expect your reply.

Proofread and Edit Your Email

As with any written communication, it’s essential to proofread and edit your email before sending it out. Typos, grammatical errors, and formatting problems can affect your credibility and professionalism. Therefore, take a few minutes to read through your email and check for any errors. If possible, have someone else read it as well to catch any mistakes you might have missed.

Use Email Management Tools

Finally, there are several email management tools that can help streamline your email communication and improve your performance. For instance, you can use tools like Boomerang for Gmail, which allows you to schedule emails, set reminders, and even snooze emails to avoid missing important messages. Other tools like SaneBox and Unroll.me can help you declutter your inbox and filter out spammy emails.

In conclusion, by following these tips, you can significantly improve your email performance and communicate more effectively with your colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. Remember, email is a powerful tool, but it’s essential to use it effectively and avoid common pitfalls that can hinder its effectiveness.

Performance Improvement Email Sample FAQs


What is a performance improvement email?

A performance improvement email is a message that a manager or employer sends to an employee to address performance issues and encourage improvement.

What should be included in a performance improvement email?

A performance improvement email should include specific examples of areas where the employee needs improvement, clear goals and expectations, and a plan to support the employee in achieving those goals.

How should I approach writing a performance improvement email?

To write an effective performance improvement email, it is important to approach the situation with empathy and a desire to help the employee succeed. Use clear, direct language and focus on actionable steps that the employee can take to improve.

How can I avoid sounding harsh or critical in a performance improvement email?

To avoid sounding harsh or critical, be sure to highlight the employee’s strengths and frame the discussion around achieving success. Use language that is positive, encouraging, and focused on growth and development.

What if the employee reacts negatively to the performance improvement email?

If the employee reacts negatively, it is important to listen to their concerns and provide support and guidance. Follow up with the employee frequently to check in on their progress and offer additional support as needed.

How can I measure the effectiveness of a performance improvement email?

You can measure the effectiveness of a performance improvement email by tracking the employee’s progress and improvements over time. Monitor their performance metrics and provide ongoing feedback and support to ensure that they are on track to meet their goals.

What if the employee does not show improvement after receiving a performance improvement email?

If the employee does not show improvement, it may be necessary to take additional steps, such as providing more detailed training or coaching, revising job duties, or even separating the employee from the organization. Consider consulting with HR or legal resources as needed.

Catch You Later!

Thanks a lot for reading this article on “performance improvement email samples”. I hope that you’ve found it helpful and informative. Remember that there’s always room for improvement, and the key is taking action and putting your best foot forward! If you have any comments or feedback, don’t hesitate to leave them below. And don’t forget to come back soon for more exciting and useful content. Until then, take care and keep striving for excellence!