Seeking Your Insights: How Long Should Probation Periods Be for Middle and Senior Levels?

Hi Friends, I am trying to standardize the policy for the Probation Period. Hence, I wanted to get some views on:

1. Why is a probation period required?

2. What is the standard probation period for middle/senior levels?
- a. 3 months
- b. 4 months
- c. 6 months
- d. 1 year

3. Is a probation period required at the senior level as well?

Looking forward to your views on the same.

Regards,
Swati

Why is a probation period required?

A probationary period is effectively a separate 'fixed term' employment contract that precedes your permanent employment relationship. The purpose of the probationary period is to allow the employer an opportunity to ascertain your suitability to perform the role before committing to offering you an ongoing, permanent employment agreement.

Probationary periods of employment do not automatically apply to every employment contract. It will only apply if such a term has been expressly agreed to by both parties, which will usually mean your employer inserted a clause in your employment agreement stating your employment will be subject to a probationary period, and you agreed to work a probationary period by signing the employment contract.

What is the standard probation period for middle/senior level?

Generally, the probation period for Middle/Senior Level is for 6 months.

Is a probation period required at the senior level as well?

Of course, a probation period is required for the senior level too. At the end of the day, even they report to a senior person, and the rules are the same when it comes to an organization. There is no differentiation.

Regards,
Sundaresh.S
HR Manager

In many progressive organizations, including my current one, the probation period has been completely done away with. We do not have a probation period for new employees and take them directly on permanent rolls. In my view, probation and confirmations are colonial-era practices and should be done away with wherever possible for white-collar employees.

Understanding the Probation Period

The probation period is nothing more than a condition of appointment, and there is no hard and fast rule for it. However, even if there is no probation period clause in the appointment letter, a clause for service termination is always present, which is binding on both the employee and the employer. This clause itself is sufficient for the purpose the probation period condition is put forth.

Ideally, for senior-level positions, a probation period clause should not be included, as this clause indicates a lack of confidence in the employee.