Ideal Probation Period

Hi Friends,
I am trying to standardize the policy for Probation Period. Hence wanted to have some views on:
1.Why is probation period required?
2. What is the standard probation period for middle/ Sr. level? a. 3 months b. 4 months c. 6 months d. 1 yr
3. Is probation period required at the senior level as well?
Looking forward for your views on the same.
Regards
Swati

1.Why is probation period required?

Answer : 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.

2. What is the standard probation period for middle/ Sr. level? a. 3 months b. 4 months c. 6 months d. 1 yr

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

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

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

Regards

Sundaresh.S

HR- Manager

Dear Swati.
Mr.Sundaresh has briefly elaborated your queries in beautiful and simpler manner. Hope this will clarify your queries. Thanks Mr.Sundaresh keep it up.

In many progressive organisations, including my current one, Probation period has been done away with completely.
We do not have probation period for new employees & take them directly on permanent rolls. In my view, probation / confirmations is a colonial era practice & should be done away with wheverver possible for white collor employees.

Probation period is nothing more than a condition of appointment nd there is no hard and fast ruling for the same. However, even if there is no probation period clause, in appointment letter clause for service termination is always there which is binding on both i.e. employee and employer and this itself is sufficient for the purpose probation period condition is put forth.
Ideally for Senior level positions, probation period clause should not be there as this clause is the indication of lack of confidence in the employee.