Final answer:
The process designed to assist employees with personal issues affecting their work is called an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which is separate from performance appraisals and downsizing efforts.
Step-by-step explanation:
A process used to help employees who are performing poorly because of personal problems is called an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This program provides confidential counseling and support for various personal issues that an employee may be facing, which could be impacting their job performance. EAPs are designed to offer support and find solutions that may help the employee return to a more productive work status.
Performance appraisals, while also related to employee performance, are more focused on evaluating an employee's job performance and development within the company.
These appraisals can occur in the form of a 360-degree feedback system where the employee is rated by a variety of stakeholders including supervisors, peers, direct reports, and sometimes customers. They are documented regularly and may result in rewards or consequences depending on the outcome of the appraisal.
On the other hand, downsizing involves reducing the company's workforce and can be associated with industrial-organizational psychologists' roles in supporting laid-off and retained employees through transition. It is different from EAPs and performance appraisals as it deals with reducing staff numbers rather than improving or evaluating individual employee performance.
Therefore the correct answer is c) Employee Assistance Program (EAP).