A probationary period is a critical stage in any new employee’s journey with a company. It’s a trial period intended to evaluate their suitability for the job and determine whether they are a good fit for the organization. While it can be daunting for employees, it’s also a crucial time for employers to assess their new hires’ performance and make informed decisions about their future. But what happens when the probationary period ends, and what should employees and employers expect?
What is a Probationary Period?
A probationary period is a specific duration of time during which an employer evaluates a new hire’s job performance, behavior, and overall suitability for the role. The length of the probationary period can vary from company to company and typically ranges from one to six months. During this time, employees may receive additional training, feedback, and mentoring to help them excel in their role.
What Happens at the End of a Probationary Period?
At the end of the probationary period, there are several things that can happen depending on the company’s policies and the employee’s performance:
Confirmation of permanent employment: If an employee has performed well during the probation period, the employer may confirm their permanent employment with the company. This means that the employee will remain in their position and enjoy the same benefits as other permanent employees.
Extension of probation: In some cases, an employer may not be fully satisfied with the employee’s performance during the probation period. They may, therefore, decide to extend the probationary period to allow more time to assess the employee’s capabilities.
Termination of employment: Unfortunately, an employer may also decide that the employee is not suitable for the role and may terminate their employment at the end of the probation period. This can be a challenging moment for the employee, but it’s important to remember that this does not necessarily reflect on their professional abilities or skills.
What Should Employees Expect at the End of Probation?
As an employee approaching the end of their probationary period, there are several things they should expect:
Performance evaluation: Employers are likely to evaluate an employee’s job performance during the probation period and provide detailed feedback on areas they need to improve. This evaluation should highlight the employee’s strengths, weaknesses, and any areas that require further development.
Confirmation or extension of employment: If an employee has performed well during the probation period, they can expect confirmation of permanent employment. However, if their performance has been below expectations, they may face an extension of the probationary period or termination of their contract.
Discussion of future career growth: As an employee, it’s essential to discuss your future career growth with your employer at the end of your probationary period. This is an opportunity to set clear goals and expectations for your position and discuss areas where you’d like to develop further.
What Should Employers Expect at the End of Probation?
Employers have a critical role to play in evaluating employee performance during the probation period. Here are some things they should expect:
Comprehensive performance evaluation: Employers should conduct a thorough performance evaluation to determine whether the employee is suitable for the position. This evaluation should include detailed feedback on the employee’s strengths, weaknesses, and progress made during the probation period.
Decision-making regarding permanent employment: Employers should make an informed decision regarding the employee’s permanent employment based on their performance during the probationary period. If they decide to confirm the employee’s permanent employment, they must communicate this decision to the employee formally.
Discussion of future career growth: Employers should discuss the employee’s future career goals and expectations and provide guidance on how to achieve them. This is an excellent time to evaluate the employee’s potential for career growth within the company.
Conclusion
The end of a probationary period can be nerve-wracking for employees, but it’s also a crucial time for both employees and employers to evaluate their suitability for the role. Employees should expect a thorough performance evaluation, confirmation or extension of employment, and a discussion about future career growth. Employers, on the other hand, should conduct a comprehensive performance evaluation, make an informed decision regarding permanent employment, and discuss employees’ future career growth. By doing so, both parties can ensure that they are making the right decisions for the long-term success of the company and the employee’s career.