What is an Employee Probation Period?
What is probation period for new employees? This is a time period in which employees are given the chance to demonstrate that they are following the company's policies and procedures. During this time, the employee may be subject to disciplinary action, including termination, if they fail to meet the expectations set by their company.
Why is the Probation Period Significant?
An employee probation period is significant because it allows an employer to assess the employee’s performance and potential, and to determine if any corrective action is necessary. They can make fairly accurate assessments with the help of time tracking and other tools. If the probation period is unsuccessful, the employee may be terminated. The probation period meaning can be explained differently. In effect, an employee who is terminated during a probation period may have a difficult time finding another job.
Ten Advantages of the Probation Period for a Company
Probation periods have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to manage a company’s disciplinary issues. Here are 10 benefits of probation for businesses:
- Probation periods give employees on the job a chance to learn how to succeed with their new company. During this time, the employee will learn about the unique challenges and focus of their job. This gives the employee the best chance to succeed.
- Businesses have always had to deal with the threat of being sued. Sometimes it's a fair legal action, and sometimes it's a frivolous lawsuit done for profit. One way companies can avoid being taken to court is by using a 90 day probation period. This lets the company see how the employee performs on the job, and they can see if they are a good fit. At the end of the probation period, the company can terminate the employee if they choose to without facing legal action.
- During the probation period, the company will take a close look at the employee’s performance. The employee usually stays on his or her best behavior during the probation period at work and takes extra care to avoid doing anything that would make the company terminate the job prematurely.
- A probation period is a term used in the law of contract. It defines the period of time a new employee is given to prove his or her abilities and work ethic to the employer. If the employee proves successful, the employer will hire him or her on a permanent basis. However, in case of failure, the employer can terminate the employment contract and hire a new employee to replace him or her.
- If an employee makes a mistake at work, their employer might give them an option to avoid getting fired. Many employers offer probation periods where if the employee continues to work well, the company will not fire the worker. Probation periods are especially important when the worker has made a mistake that was truly not their fault.
- A probation period gives new employees a chance to learn about the company, as well as its values and expectations. It's a trial run. It's when the company gets a chance to see the new employee's work ethic and the effort he or she puts in.
- A probation period is a mutually beneficial arrangement for companies and new employees. It allows companies to evaluate employee commitment and reduces the risk of hiring the wrong person. For a new employee, a probation period provides an opportunity to show their commitment and to prove their value to the company.
- Probation periods can be extremely helpful for certain businesses, as it helps the company create an atmosphere where the employee has a positive attitude and stays positive through the probation period. They should always be on time and be prepared for their daily tasks.
- By being able to play a part in the team's activities, the new hire will become more involved and feel more welcomed by their co-workers. In a way, this is a show of good faith from their new employer by allowing them to feel more a part of the team than if they had just thrown them into the first available position and expected them to fit in.
- A probation period is a period of time at the beginning of a job when a company starts to assess the skills and abilities of a new employee. The company can be certain they're hiring someone who will be a valuable member of their team.
What are the Benefits of a Probation Period for Employees?
- Probation periods can help employees learn new skills and improve their work performance. In addition, they can provide an opportunity to address any issues that may have led to their probation. This can help build trust and confidence between the employee and the company, and can lead to a more productive and successful future.
- Probation periods can also be an important form of employee rehabilitation. If an employee has committed an offence that is not serious, a probation period may help them understand why their actions were wrong and learn the necessary skills to avoid similar offences in the future.
- Finally, probation periods can provide important financial savings for the company. By providing an opportunity for an employee to improve their skills and behaviour, they may be less likely to leave the company in search of a new job. In addition, the company may be able to avoid any legal costs associated with an employee’s probation period.
Five Employee Rights during the Probation Period
During the probation period, employees have the right to:
- Request a change in working conditions or an adjustment in hours. It is their legal right that employees can request a change or adjustment in working conditions when they have been in the company for at least three months. If the company and employee fail to agree upon a change, the issue will be decided by an industrial tribunal. The probationary period is usually between 90 days and 6 months.
- Get used to the job. New employees often find it hard to get used to a new job. This is especially true when they are in a probation period. For example, they may be unable to communicate properly with other employees. In this cases, they have the right to ask for a transfer to another department or departmental level. There is no time limit for an employee to request a transfer from the employer, but the reason for the transfer should be justifiable.
- Request leave. If the leave is for a personal matter it is unpaid and if it is for a family matter, it is paid. The probation period is a tricky topic and does not apply to all companies. In most cases, it is best to talk to your company's HR department before going on leave.
- Get the benefits they deserve. If employees have problems regarding their working conditions, they should talk with their supervisor about them. They may be able to help them, or if they are really unhappy, they can try to find a different company to work for.
- Ask for a meeting with their manager. The meeting can either be about their performance or about anything that is on their mind. Either way, it is important that the employee feels comfortable bringing up their concerns during the meeting.
In practice, however, employers fully understand the importance of probation periods and often a template is designed to help them streamline the performance review process and make it simpler and more efficient.