Just the term PIP (Performance Improvement Plan) triggers a SEVERE (diagnosed) PTSD response in me, and many others, apparently. I lost a career I built from literally “scratch” and “turning screws” to a PIP, my best friend was just handed one, with an “interview” on Thursday, in person, though all work, since even before COVID, has been mobile / WFH.
Everyone I've spoken to about them, that has experience with them, so far has said that a PIP is literally just an employer trying to get rid of you, and exploit you as much as possible in your remaining time, without having to pay unemployment.
If you're not in the US, be grateful you're unfamiliar with this scenario. As an example, BFF LITERALLY works 80+ hours a week, and is consistently an award winning performer in their field.
For both our sakes, I have to be limited in details that might be identifying, as Reddit is a big deal to the ego-maniac CTO still antagonizing me (might be considered stalking) over a year after I had a wrongful termination claim with DOL in my favor. BFF works in a very visible, public facing, social media intensive position for big conglomerate type mega corps. I'd recommend you also share with the discretion to protect yourself and others.
(Thank you for sharing your stories! if nothing else, you're helping others feel less alone in the nightmare. If you're a unicorn that somehow survived a PIP, by all means, please share; that's some very welcome sparkly hope to be had.)