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Probationary periods - Whats the norm?

Beth

Hello, 

Can anyone advise on what is best practice or the done thing, in terms of duration of time stated for a probationary period in an employee contract? My organisation currently makes use of a 3 month probationary period. However we have had a few occasions recently whereby due to the up and down nature of our work, we have felt it has not been quite long enough to really judge and the company has extended the probation period rather than pass the employee first time around. This doesn't do a great deal to help them settle into the company personally and professionally, and may have implications for how committed they feel to the company in the long term.

I think if we had a little bit longer then the employee could prove themselves fully, they could then be passed first time around and this would be better for their own morale and confidence in the role. 

A director has suggested as long as 6 months for probation. Does anyone know of any reason, legal or not, that we couldn't do a 4, 5 or even 6 month probation period? 6 months seems a little long but 4 months could potentially be beneficial for all.

Thanks

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  • I think HR staff should also question what the complexity of the position is that they are hiring for. The amount of time it takes to adapt and learn a position, of course is dependent on the complexity of that position. The time needed to adapt, can vary not based on the individual that is hired, but also the position itself. 3 Months might be overboard and way too much time for a position that requires menial tasks. But for a position that involves in-depth and complex practices, 3 months really isn't particularly long at all (IMO). I speak from personal experience in environmental consulting, by 3 months, I was still learning every day and making mistakes and growing. If I had a clear probational period of just 3 months, I suspect I would have been fired. But by 6 months, things to a degree had changed for the better (IMO). I've seen this elsewhere as well. Situations where people are prematurely fired, while in the process of learning.

    I would say value in an employee also comes down to what that employee is passionate about. You might have a slow learning person, who is adamant about the field in which they are working. And in the long run, they will certainly have a longer drive and will ultimately step-up in greater ways than fast learning employees who do not share that same drive. But on the surface, these two hypothetical people might both have a smile on their faces and may not be distinguishable between one another.

    Just some thoughts.
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  • I think HR staff should also question what the complexity of the position is that they are hiring for. The amount of time it takes to adapt and learn a position, of course is dependent on the complexity of that position. The time needed to adapt, can vary not based on the individual that is hired, but also the position itself. 3 Months might be overboard and way too much time for a position that requires menial tasks. But for a position that involves in-depth and complex practices, 3 months really isn't particularly long at all (IMO). I speak from personal experience in environmental consulting, by 3 months, I was still learning every day and making mistakes and growing. If I had a clear probational period of just 3 months, I suspect I would have been fired. But by 6 months, things to a degree had changed for the better (IMO). I've seen this elsewhere as well. Situations where people are prematurely fired, while in the process of learning.

    I would say value in an employee also comes down to what that employee is passionate about. You might have a slow learning person, who is adamant about the field in which they are working. And in the long run, they will certainly have a longer drive and will ultimately step-up in greater ways than fast learning employees who do not share that same drive. But on the surface, these two hypothetical people might both have a smile on their faces and may not be distinguishable between one another.

    Just some thoughts.
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