Is a Probation Period Necessary for Experienced Hires, or Just for Freshers?

Dear All,

Here, I would like to receive valuable points and feedback regarding - "Is a probation period good and compulsory for an experienced person?" or should it be only for freshers.

Kindly share your valuable thoughts.

Best Regards,
Umesh

Probation Period for Experienced Professionals

It is not compulsory for experienced people. In fact, it is not desirable to have that clause for experienced people. I never had this clause in my letters after 8 years. Many companies do not incorporate this clause for Managers and above. I do not advise this clause for Assistant Managers and above.

Regards,
Sivasankaran

I have a different view about it. An employee is new to an organization even if he is experienced in the same field in other companies. Probation is set not just to teach him the job but to make him comfortable with the new environment and new organizational culture. Even an experienced person may fail to adjust to the culture being followed in an organization. Therefore, probation is applicable to experienced persons also. You may also note that probation is applicable for an employee who is promoted to a higher level as well! That means if the employee is not performing well in that elevated post, he shall be demoted and brought back to his old position. Some companies do that also. Therefore, probation is not a one-time arrangement.

Regards,
Madhu.T.K

The probation period is a time for adjusting yourself to the new organization and its culture. It is not only for the company to assess your performance but also for the individual to assess whether they can truly contribute to the organization.

I believe the probation period is essential for all levels of employees.

Regards,
A. Satish

As far as my experience goes, probation periods are not compulsory at the VP and above levels. However, every company and industry may have different norms. I am certain that a PSU banker joining another company would not appreciate a probation clause; they might even feel offended. This is where the role of an HR person comes in to explain, just like Madhu T.K did when explaining the other side of probation at every position.

It depends on the company policy, but it is safe to have the probation clause for even experienced staff, albeit for a shorter period, to ensure the employee-organization or employee-responsibility fit.

Regards,
Raghuram.S

The probationary period is essential for all categories because every company has a different work culture and different working styles. It is necessary to have a probationary period so that employees can adapt to the situation accordingly. The probation period is not a training period but a time to establish oneself. That's why if an employee cannot adjust within the 6-month period, which is generally fixed by every company as the probationary period, and if they cannot adopt the rules and regulations, the probation period may be extended for another three months or so. On the other hand, if an employee performs well during the probation period, they receive confirmation before the expiry of the probation period. This is why the probation period is essential.

Regards,
J.S. Negi

A probationary period enables a manager/supervisor and a new employee to identify relevant strengths and weaknesses in conduct and work performance and to take any necessary remedial action. It also allows the employer to assess how well the new employee is fitting into the role and the organization, giving them time to review and adapt training for the new employee.