Probation Period: Definition, Importance & Tips to Complete Successfully

When organisations hire new employees, they have to go through a probationary period wherein employers evaluate the recruits’ capabilities to see if they are the best fit for the position and the organisation. 

In this article, we share with you everything you need to know about the probation period in the world of work. 

What Is A Probation Period?

A probation period is when new employees are given a specific probationary time. This period allows employers to assess whether the new recruits can adjust well enough to perform their tasks effectively. It also lets both parties see whether the working relationship will blend well to fit in with the company culture. Once the probationary period is completed by the new hire, he either becomes a permanent or part-time employee (if he is deemed a good person for the job) or leaves the company (the decision can be made by either party). 

During the probation period, the employee can decide to quit his or her job without serving a notice period. 

Now, serving a probationary period can be scary because you may not know whether the employers are satisfied with your work performance. However, this trial period is the perfect time for you to show them your worth and work hard to claim your spot.

Duration Of Probation Period

Depending on organisations’ policies, the duration can range from one month to a year. However, most companies give new hires three to six months of probation period.

Is Probation Period Mandatory?

While some companies do not require their new employees to go through a probationary period, some expect both their potential permanent and part-time new recruits to undergo the probation period. 

Do You Get Paid During A Probation Period?

While serving the probation period, you will get paid, the specifics of which will be in the contract you signed or the employee handbook. 

However, in some cases, new recruits often don’t get to avail benefits and perks and are paid lesser during the probation period than the amount that a permanent employee in the private sector. Regarding government jobs, the employees often enjoy benefits and fixed salaries.

Importance Of Completing A Probation Period

Apart from professionalism and a sense of duty, there are many reasons why you should complete your probation period. Here are some of the reasons:

1. To See If The Job Or Company Is For You: A probationary period allows you to see if you are the perfect person for the job or whether you fit in well with the company culture or not. The trial period gives you the time to make an informed decision. If you feel like you are the person the employer is looking for, you can quit without serving a notice period, thus saving your time and energy. 
2. To Learn And Enhance Your Skills: Most companies give new recruits a senior member of the team to act as their buddy. This is when you will get the opportunity to learn and pick your new skills or enhance your existing ones. It is also when you learn the business’s ins and outs and hopefully finds new areas of interest. The experiences you gain will make room for your career growth. 
3. To Show Them Your Worth: The probationary period allows you to showcase your strengths and skills to the employer. From being punctual to meeting deadlines to being a team player, every step you take to show them that you are the right person for the job will guarantee your place in the organisation and help you grow professionally. 
4. To Secure Your Job: Serving your probation period well and effectively will secure your position in the company. This will open doors for you to get a salary hike, avail benefits and perks offered, or climb the ladder of success. You will feel security once you complete your probationary period and earn the permanent employee position. 

How To Successfully Complete Your Probation Period

You can take certain measures to successfully pass your probation period. Here are some of them:

1. Stay Positive: Yes, the probationary period can be daunting as the employer’s eye will be on you. Every win you celebrate and every mistake you make will be under close inspection. It can be a stressful time. However, it is imperative that you maintain your positivity and continue giving every task your 100 per cent best. If you allow any slip to discourage you, your work performance can also suffer. So, learn from every mistake and remind yourself that the harder you work and the more determined and responsible you are, the more fruitful the outcome will be. 
2. Be Confident: Be confident and brave whether you are a fresher or someone who has recently changed their career path. Lack of confidence can hamper your work performance, further reflecting poorly on yourself as a professional. Do not doubt yourself too much. Many new hires tend to be too timid to ask for help, and this can cause them to perform poorly. So, if you feel you do not have the right skills or tools to complete a task given to you, do not be afraid to ask for guidance. Remember that education is from womb to tomb and that there is always room for knowledge and improvement. The more skills you gain, the more your confidence level will boost. 
3. Make Room For Growth: During your probation period, observe your team members and supervisors and learn from them how they perform their tasks and interact with one other. Try to absorb as much information as possible, from the business’s ins and outs to work culture and unspoken codes of conduct. 
4. Build Rapport With Your Colleagues: Try to connect professionally with your colleagues. This will show the employers that you possess good interpersonal and communication skills. Moreover, your probationary period is the perfect time to expand your professional network, no matter where your career path may take you. However, steer clear of office gossip. 
5. Allow Feedback And Criticisms To Be Source Of Your Motivation: You should be open to feedback and criticism because it is through them that you will learn and improve. Make them your source of motivation and work harder to improve in all areas. 
6. Monitor Your Work And Progress: Keeping track of your progress and setting a daily target will allow you to be more productive and make your probation period more momentous. Every task you complete or skill you develop will give you a sense of accomplishment. This will help you gain more confidence, making your probation period more pleasant. 

What Is Extension Of the Probation Period?

A probation period extension is an elongation after the end date of the initial probationary period. There are a few reasons why an employer would ask the employee to serve an extended probation period, such as:

1. The period of probation initially allotted is not enough to assess the recruit’s capabilities and performance.
2. The project assigned to the new recruit should be completed before securing the permanent employee position. 
3. The employer is not satisfied with the new recruit’s performance but has decided to give him another chance to prove himself. 

If the new recruit feels he needs more time, he can also request the employer extend his probation period. 

Conclusion: Remember that while a probation period can sound nerve-racking, it is actually the perfect opportunity to show your new employers that you have what it takes to be a part of the company and that you are the right person for the job. As long as you follow the probation