How Long Should Probation Be?

Probation periods can vary between organisations.  The most common probation duration is six months.  Probationary periods mainly apply in permanent contracts of employment although they are increasingly used in temporary and fixed term contracts of employment also.

Probation periods allow both the employer and employee to settle into their new job.  There is a lot to learn when a person starts with a new organisation.  Even if the new employee has done the exact same job in their last job, each and every company does things slightly differently.

Every Company is Different

Company cultures differ.  Employee personalities differ.  Industry sectors differ.  Internal deadlines and focuses within the business differ.  Everything differs!

So; probation periods offer a great solution during a period of changeover in employment.

Selection Processes Involve Various Elements

Job selection processes include a lot of different elements; from interview selection to personality profiling to reference checking; all of which give indications as to how the new employee will perform.

However; nothing will say more about how well a new employee will perform than their actual performance on the job.

Probation Periods are Important

Probation periods need to be clearly stated within the employment contract so that there is complete transparency.  Regular reviews of performance must take place during this probation period to allow the employer to give honest feedback to the employee.  This ensure that any areas for improvement can be immediately actioned by the employee and allow the employee to demonstrate how well they can perform in the job.