Probationary Period for Employees: Getting the Start Right
Mistakes happen sometimes. The person we thought was by far the best candidate for the role can sometimes not be the ideal employee we’d hoped for. A probationary period for employees is a great way to see how things go with a new person. It also helps ascertain whether they’re a good fit for your business and your team.
The length of this period is set by the employer and can be anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. This depends on the role.
Legal Entitlements During the Probationary Period for Employees
It’s important to note that a probationary period is NOT a separate period of employment. The employee has the same entitlements as other staff and will accrue and be able to access paid leave (if part of their contract) as normal. For more information on standard workplace rights, you can view our guide to employee entitlements (Internal Link).
Performance Reviews and Communication
A probationary period for employees is a great time to hold regular performance reviews (we’ll discuss these in more detail tomorrow) and give your team member plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Addressing concerns early gives them the best chance of success at the end of their probation.
The details of the probation should be clearly spelled out in their employment contract. It’s wise to have the employee sign off on their contract and an induction checklist (Internal Link). This ensures they understand the terms.
What Happens After the Probationary Period for Employees?
As soon as the period is over, you need to let your employee know whether they’ve passed. If they are unsuccessful, it is possible to extend this time or end their employment. Make sure you keep a written record of this discussion.
Fair Work Australia has a number of templates you can use to notify an employee about successful or unsuccessful probation. You can find those here.
If you’d like help writing employment contracts, staff handbooks, or managing conversations with employees, talk to Assurance HR today. We’re here to help you with all your staffing needs. Call us on 1800 577 515.
