What is a Probation Period? Tips to Complete it Successfully
In your new job, you are put through a trial called the ‘Probation Period’. Think about being a fresh graduate who has just entered the corporate world. A newcomer, you are in the preparation phase, just like Spiderman, learning to shoot webs, or a young wizard learning to cast spells.
Probation involves learning job responsibilities, becoming familiar with the work environment, discovering new skills, and honing your existing skill set. The employer evaluates your performance to see if you are the right fit for the position as a full-time employee. This guide will thoroughly explain what is a probation period, why employers use it along with tips to successfully pass this period.
Probation Period in a Job – An Overview
This is a period at the beginning of a new job during which an employer evaluates an employee’s performance. During this phase, employers will closely observe the employee’s ability to carry out job duties, fit into the company culture, and follow instructions. At the end of the probation period, the employer will decide if the employee will be offered a permanent position.
For the employee, it is the perfect time to demonstrate commitment to the job and to become accustomed to the work environment. During the probationary period, the manager will guide and give valuable feedback to help the employee improve further and, thereafter, evaluate performance. Impressive performance and effective communication skills are essential during probation. Learn business communication to master writing, speaking, and presentation skills.
Duration of Probation
The duration of the employment probation period is subject to industry, position, years of experience, and the company’s norms. In India, the probation period usually spans either a month, three months, or six months. During this time, the company provides guidance and training with the goal of either assisting you in adjusting to a new role or improving your overall performance. Most work from home jobs also have a probation period, although it may be shorter in duration based on the job role. Those pursuing part time jobs may not have a probation period.
Reasons to Place a New Hire on Probation
Employers follow different recruitment strategies to onboard new employees. New hires frequently go through a trial period. The reasons for which a company or organization might implement a probationary period include:
- Upon commencing your tenure as a new employee with the company or organization.
- When you receive a promotion to a different role or position.
- In the event of a notable performance concern.
This trial phase is not a mandatory clause. It is possible that some companies do not have a probation clause in an employment agreement as a way to put more confidence in the new hire’s capabilities. There is usually a probationary period for various technical job vacancies, for example, Data Science jobs.
What Happens During the Probation Period?
Typically, the employer monitors employees during the probationary period to evaluate their performance and assess their suitability for the job. An employer may manage and conduct the trial period in a number of ways, including:
- Structured Onboarding – Employers use the probationary period to familiarize new employees with company culture, policies, and procedures. This includes introducing them to the team, company values, and job expectations.
- Provide Training and Support – During the probationary period, employers often provide additional training and support to help the employee adjust to their duties and responsibilities.
- Set Goals – Employers may also set goals for the employee to achieve before the end of the probationary period. This allows the employer to assess the employee’s performance and determine if he or she is a good fit for the job. It also provides an opportunity for the employee to demonstrate his or her value to the company.
- Share Feedback – Employers may also provide feedback throughout the probation period to help employees identify areas for improvement and develop new skills. This allows them to gain insight into the probationer’s strengths and weaknesses and how they may fit into the organization long-term.
- Respond Promptly to Issues – It is essential to address issues face-to-face with the newly hired. Ensure to use positive language and allow employees to respond to the feedback given, either for poor attendance, punctuality, or performance-related. It is better to develop a plan to help the employee improve reliability and productivity and adjust targets based on their circumstances.
How to Successfully Complete the Probation Period?
Here are some tips to successfully pass probation:
- Build Your Skills – During the trial phase, the employers will assess the communication, management, and technical skills of the newly hired. One should utilize this time to hone skills with curiosity and sincerity toward the assigned work. Look for areas where you can pitch in ideas and insights to add value to the existing work. If you are pursuing a job for freshers, you may need to put in some extra effort in grasping new skills.
- Put Your Performance First – The transition from probationer to a regular employee depends on your performance. Aim to stay focused to skillfully perform the tasks, demonstrate your abilities, and show initiative and interest in the work. When you treat your trial period as regular employment, you will work with a greater sense of responsibility.
- Optimistic Outlook on Feedback – It is important to acknowledge the feedback that your supervisor has provided you. It will show how open you are to learning and how you embrace mistakes and errors to improve your abilities and skills. You may even ask for feedback.
- Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills – Apart from technical expertise, a probationer’s communication and personal development skills are also important. Demonstrate your confidence, your ability to openly and clearly communicate, and a strong sense of professionalism.
- Keep to Deadlines and Be Punctual – This trial phase is a great opportunity to show your competence by aiming to finish the tasks within the deadlines. Your punctuality will also make a good impression on the employer, as it reflects your disciplined attitude towards the company’s work culture.
What Happens When the Probation Period Ends?
The successful completion of the probationary period depends on the review of the employer. The employee’s performance gets reviewed in detail to determine if the person is the right fit for the full-time position.
Favorable Review
If the employee successfully completes probation and gets a positive review from the employer, the person becomes eligible for regular employment, and the probation phase ends. Now, the regular and full-time employee is entitled to a higher salary (usually probation periods have a stipulated salary) and other employment benefits from the employer.
Unfavorable Review
If the employee completes probation but the employer’s review is not favorable, either the employment gets terminated or there is an extension of probation. For any company, it is easier to end employment during probation with a short notice period. Likewise, the employee can also decide to resign within a short notice period to seek better opportunities. The employer can extend the training period under the following conditions:
- When the initial probationary period isn’t long enough to assess your performance adequately.
- When there are changes in your responsibilities that demand extended observation.
- When the company intends to provide you with an interim assignment prior to confirming a permanent position.
Conclusion
Gaining a clear and transparent picture of what is a probation period, lets both the employer and the employee evaluate one another. This is a crucial time for the employee to showcase the skills and abilities that make them a great fit for the role. It’s important to approach this period with professionalism and commitment as if it were a permanent, full-time position.
