Waiting Over 6 Months for Confirmation Appraisal: Is This Normal or a Red Flag?

Dear Experts,

What would be the maximum time to get a confirmation appraisal from the employer? I have been waiting for more than 6 months with still no response. Is this a very difficult process that is taking 6+ months to accomplish? Why is it getting delayed?

Thanks!

Dear Singaporean,

Understanding the Confirmation Process

Confirmation is a simple task. It does not take much time. Just check with your HR as to why it is getting delayed. In fact, HR can only prepare the confirmation letter and give it to you, but your HOD should appraise your performance and provide his recommendations for your confirmation to the HR department.

Steps to Ensure Timely Confirmation

Have you undergone any appraisal in these past 6 months? If not, approach your HOD to see if HR has given some parameters for your appraisal and follow up. Only after your HOD gives his recommendation can HR issue the confirmation letter.

Importance of Written Confirmation

If your appointment terms state that your services will be confirmed only after receiving it in writing, then you really have to pay attention to it and do the necessary follow-up.

Regards,
Bharghavi

I agree with your comments, but I stand corrected if I'm wrong. According to our company policy, an employee is to be confirmed once their probationary period expires. Annual appraisal is different from the appraisal for confirming employment as per our company policy.

Annual Appraisals

Annual appraisals are carried out every year for all employees in April of every financial year. This appraisal is conducted to assess the performance of an employee immediately after completing the probationary period to determine whether to continue their employment in our organization or terminate their services.

If an employee's performance is unsatisfactory, we extend their probationary period to a certain extent before deciding on termination of services.

Regards,
Bharghavi

There is no fixed time frame for probation confirmation. It all depends on your company policy and your performance during this period. As Bharghavi has correctly pointed out, a confirmation appraisal is usually conducted to determine your performance level just when your probation is about to complete.

If you meet the required level, you may then be confirmed. If not, your probation may be extended. If this is the case, HR and your direct superior must provide you with the necessary mentoring and coaching to bring you up to par. There is also no fixed extension as it depends on your performance gaps.

If it is extended by another 3 months, you will be appraised again at the end of the 3 months. If your performance is now up to par, you will be officially confirmed with an official letter. If your performance is still not meeting expectations, the company has the right to terminate your employment.

The process may seem simple in the eyes of a non-HR, but there is due diligence that HR needs to undertake to achieve the desired outcome for both the company and the individual. Importantly, for whatever transpired, regular communication among HR, your direct superior, and yourself is necessary.

Regards,
Autumn Jane

The process that accompanies the confirmation after the probation is not the appraisal process. It should be referred to as "Confirmation of Services after the Probation Review" or "Probation Appraisal." Many companies use the term appraisal in relation to performance for reviewing salary and advancement opportunities, which all employees anticipate. This review is based on various factors such as knowledge of work, productivity, quality of work output, quantity of work, time management, supervisory ability, decision-making ability, communication skills, general behavior, responsibilities taken, and adaptability. The term "appraisal" is typically used for confirming services or for an annual review.

I hope this clarifies the points mentioned in your previous message.

Regards,
Sharmila

Thank you very much, Bhargavi, Sharmila, and Jane, for your comments. I talked with my direct superior, and he said that my performance is good and sent a request for confirmation to the HR department. However, the "Responsible HR management" doesn't show any sign. The process is still ongoing! There has been no appreciation or negative opinion from HR. It is hard to understand whether the organization really likes or dislikes my service.

Thank you very much Bhargavi, Sharmila, & Jane for your comments. I talked with my direct superior, and he said that my performance is good and sent a request for confirmation to the HR department. However, the "Responsible HR management" hasn't shown any sign. The process is still ongoing with no appreciation or negative opinions from HR. It's hard to understand whether the organization really likes or dislikes my service.

Have Patience!

In many organizations, once HR receives confirmation of service from the immediate supervisor, it is then forwarded to the VP Head/Management with HR remarks. Based on this, further responsibilities and the nature of work are decided, which will be communicated to the concerned individual (in this case, you). The management's decision might take time as they analyze how, where, and what is the optimum utilization of resources based on the individual's strengths. Therefore, please wait until you receive the decision.

Regards

Dear Singaporean,

Do not be dismayed by your thoughts, and try to understand the situation that HR has to handle. It's not just about a single employee that Human Resources might seem indifferent about. In many cases, HR needs to remain impartial. Sometimes, to convey information effectively, HR might act as a conduit and may not express their personal opinions.

I understand the challenges you are facing, but a good strategic approach has already been put in place and will see you through the rest.

Good Luck!

Dear HR Hiral Mehta, I just asked HR for information regarding my offer. I am aware of the process behind this, and I am being patient. However, waiting for more than 7 months is not an acceptable timescale, is it? I don't know how much longer I should wait for a single reply mail.

Singaporean
Software Engineer

Hi there, The time taken for confirmation of service varies from company to company. If your confirmation of service is linked to your appraisal, it may take some time. However, they should compensate you for any arrears owed.

Confirmation Policy Inquiry

You have not mentioned what the standard confirmation policy is in your company. I assume that all the responses were based on assumptions.

Regards

I was given an offer with a 1-year probation period, and it was clearly mentioned that after one year, I would receive confirmation and a relevant hike. However, this is the 8th month post my probation (i.e., nearly 20 months in the same position without appreciation).

Please let me know if there is anything to be discussed with my HR management. I have sent them numerous emails requesting my status in the process, but they are not inclined to give a single response.

Thanks,
Singaporean

Then, it is time to confront them directly. You can make an appointment and speak with them face-to-face if you are not receiving replies via email. Keep your manager in the loop. Ask him to join the meeting so that you have better clarity on who is who.