Are Senior Project Managers Subject to Probation? Plus, Handling Early Leave Requests

Dear HR Professional,

I work at a software IT company and would like to inquire about the probation period for Project Managers. If I am not mistaken, senior personnel should not be subject to a probation period. Additionally, I would like to know what actions HR should take if a project manager requests a 5-day leave in their second month of service, especially in terms of preparing the salary. Please provide guidance on this matter.

I appreciate a quick response.

Regards,
Seema

Totally depends on the company policy. In the policy, we have to decide from which post onwards the probation period is not required.

Regards,
Ashutosh Chaturvedi

Hi, It depends upon the company policy, but i would say that probation is needed even for CEO to because they need to understand the nature of work in the organization and they have to adapt the Domain environment. So it is mandatory

Corrected Version:

Hi,

It depends on the company policy, but I would say that probation is needed even for a CEO because they need to understand the nature of work in the organization and they have to adapt to the domain environment. So, it is mandatory.

Dear HR Professional,

I am in the software IT industry and would like to inquire if there is a probation period for Project Managers in our company. If my understanding is correct, senior personnel should not be subject to a probation period. Additionally, I would like to know the procedure for handling a situation where a project manager takes a 5-day leave during their second month of service when preparing the salary. Your guidance on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Looking forward to a prompt response.

Regards,
Seema

Senior Managers or Professionals also have a probation period, which can be as short as 6 months. They may also have a longer notice period, sometimes extending up to three months.

Probationary period is the testing period for an employee to adapt to the organization fully, to improve his deliverables for the organization. In my view, the probationary period is the only occasion where there is a chance for correction of a misjudgment. Therefore, I support Dixita for her view.

Probation period is applicable for everybody irrespective of junior or senior. At the same time, there is no statutory rule or regulation for that. It depends on organization to organization; it's a negotiation tool also sometimes.

Hi Seema,

This is really a good question, but the senior professionals are experienced in their field, not in the company, and the style of work differs from company to company. Therefore, even senior-level employees should serve the notice period according to my knowledge.

Regards,
Swetha

Hi Seema,

This totally depends on the company policy. But if you want to frame one, my suggestion would be:

- Probation period is not required for senior levels (maybe Vice President & above).
This is because they are well-experienced people from various industries. Second, when an employee's performance is not up to a satisfactory level, the company extends their probation period by another 3/6 months. We may not opt to do so for senior levels.

- Notice period is definitely required for senior levels.
In fact, the notice period should be higher for them than for other employees as they own higher responsibilities in the company and require a proper handover.

Regards,
Kayal

Yes, senior managers have a probation period of 6 months.

As far as leave and salary are concerned, it totally depends on company policies which leave has to be deducted or in any case, a person is not entitled to any leave before he/she completes some time in the company or it has to be marked as leave without pay. You should refer to your company's HR policies.

I agree, all senior employees should go for a probation period, at least for three months.

Sadigaz,

Hi,

I guess this entirely depends on the policy of the company. There can be a probation period for everyone or anyone. However, I think the probationary period should be compulsory as it gives the organization time to judge the fitment of the new joiner into the culture of the organization.

Regards,

Amit Verma

Thank you all for your views. But still, I have some questions in my mind.

In my company, we provide 12 CL, 12 PL, and 6 SL for all confirmed employees. For probationary employees, we offer 12 CL and 6 SL. Now, my question is regarding a Project Manager who has completed 3 months with us and recently took 5 days of sick leave (SL). What do I need to consider in terms of salary preparation?

Hi all,

Everyone is under probation (either documented or not documented). Some prefer to call it "observation," I guess. I think that even if they actually use the term "probation," everybody really does go through that.

Let's say the company hired a president/director, then the CEO or the board of directors will closely monitor the president/director.

Regards,
Hassan

Having a probationary period for senior employees will vary from company to company. However, depending on the organization's size and the capacity of the personnel, the probationary period may be waived. The allowance of leave, etc., is applicable at the discretion of management, and appropriate action may be taken if the senior employee takes 5 days of leave during his second month of service.

With regards,
L. Kumar

Hello,

For the position of Project Manager, a 3-month probation period is required for observation and relationship building. The employee is eligible for a 5-day leave after completing 2 months.

Regards,
Rajeshwari

In my country, a probation period will be given to any staff, including senior staff or new staff, who have more years of experience. We cannot believe in his/her last experience because many new employees have been deceived by fabricated stories presented to their old bosses or in their CVs.

Bambang

As per my knowledge, there is no probationary period for senior-level employees. However, that also depends on the company's policy. In some organizations, senior managers and above do not have a probation period; they are confirmed from day one. Only junior levels, such as managers and below, will have a probation period.

Hope this information helps you in some way.

Thanks,
Shriti :)

It totally depends on the company's policy. As per my personal views and experience, whatever the policies may be structured, the probation period should be for all employees from top to bottom. This is because it instills discipline for everybody.

Regards, Rahul Tiwari

Hi,

Naturally, whether the post is senior or junior, the interaction in the beginning is new. Therefore, a probation period is a must for seniors. Yes, it depends upon the company policy.

Thank you.
Tarun

Friends,

Availing annual leave in advance is one of the options for the probationer. In our company, we provide the provision for probationers to take annual leave in advance in case of exigencies. However, it all depends on the company policy.

Regards,
Srinivas

Yes, the probation period is there for senior staff, management, and others. However, at the same time, few companies do not recognize this.

Amit

Hi All,

I have read different views about the probation period. The reason I believe, during probation, any person can be reviewed. It's not easy to remove a person when he is confirmed, and his notice period is also more than a month. But during probation, it's easy to assess a new joiner on the deliverables and validate him. If he is found to be a wrong hire, then we have every reason to terminate his services during probation.

The probation period can be treated as an observation period for the new joiner, and the company also has the liberty to assess him, confirm, or terminate based on his performance. I suggest we should have this probation for all levels.

Rgds,
Suresh Ramalingam

My Dear Professionals,

The recruitment process for seniors is altogether different in most organizations.

Here, you need to understand first and foremost what the underlying recruitment parameters are for the organizations, keeping in view the below-mentioned areas of the recruitment process:

(1) Top/Senior Management

(2) Middle Management

(3) Lower-rung Management

The question is, do you have a policy for appointing senior management, and do you have a say in it? Is the position directly appointed by the CEO/MD/Chairman, etc.?

If you have a say, then you can control through your policies (if they are in place). If not, then hang on and consult with stakeholders.

Is it that their KRAs, etc., are cleared for them at the time of induction? By the way, do you have an induction for every new employee? If not, then you know very well.

If expectations and deliverables are not cleared in the beginning, employees are going to falter, and they are not at fault, but you, being a manager, are at fault.

You are not a technician who does all the work, but you are a manager. So the onus is on you if you haven't clarified the expectations and deliverables.

Well, overall, a tricky question. You need to handle it in the purview of your policies, standards, and benchmarks. Isn't it?

All the best!

Create standards flexible enough and stringent to control!

Dharmandar Attal

Freelance Consultant

People Enhancement Solutions

Intuitive Learning Solutions Pvt. Ltd

Col. Balbir House, 249/AB, 3rd Floor, Near Rama Market

Munirka, New Delhi - 110078

Cell: +91 9810643099

Email: dharmandar@gmail.com

Email: dharmandar@aol.in

Yes, the probation period is applicable at all levels. Yes, of course, in the case of seniority, we can make changes in the probation duration, i.e., 3 months or 6 months.

Thanks,
Neetu

Dear,

In my previous organization, the probation period for senior employees was longer than for juniors.

Surendra

Well, as per my knowledge, the probation period is very much there for senior professionals. However, it depends on a company-to-company basis.

During the probation period, you can judge the performance of the employee, as well as the employee himself gets time to settle in the new working environment.

I agree with cgnanij. It is necessary to understand the company first and adapt accordingly, so a minimum probation is needed for every position.

Ranjith

Hey Seema,

Following the communication thread, I would definitely like to share my opinion. In my view, the purpose of a probation period is to offer a platform for both employees and employers to understand each other's perspectives. During this time, the employer has an opportunity to assess the credibility and suitability of the employees for long-term employment. Simultaneously, it provides a chance for employees to comprehend the work climate and adapt to the organizational culture.

Therefore, it is not solely the years of experience an employee possesses that determine whether a probation period is necessary. Instead, it is the responsibility of HR to instill and educate employees about the objective behind the "Probation Period."

Shipra

As per my knowledge, there is a probationary period for senior employees, but it depends on the company whether to have it or not. I think nowadays senior individuals also require a probationary period.

From Praveen Kumar

Hi all,

Does a plant need water? Similarly, does a senior need a probationary period?

Probation period is a preparation period. Probation period is an identification period. Rule is created for the man by the man. Let's create good rules in favor of management and employees!

Answer for your second question:

Probationary rules apply to everybody - do not take leave during the probationary period, with some exceptions allowed. That's it.

Regards,
Majestuoso

🚫 🤣 🤣 🤣

Hi,

All new joiners, irrespective of seniority or designation, must have a probation period. As correctly pointed out earlier, this is the observation period for the new employee, where they are assessed for suitability and adaptability. Even highly experienced and senior individuals need to adapt to new surroundings and people.

Generally, for all positions, the probation period is 6 months and could be extended by an additional period of 6 to 12 months. During this time, the employee does not enjoy all the privileges and benefits that a regular employee would, such as leave, etc. Also, during the probation period, there is no notice period to be served in case of resignation.

I trust this information has been helpful.

Regards,
Vasudev

Hi,

I am working in an IT company as an HR Executive, and I personally believe that a probation period is required at all levels. Every employee must be judged based on their work for a few months and compare the results with their past records.

Regards,
Mustafa

Dear Friends,

The probation period has to be completed by every new joiner, whether they are a fresher or an experienced employee. This is compulsory even if an ex-employee rejoins the organization. They also have to perform during the probation period. The duration of this period is a different issue. It can be 3 or 6 months, but generally 3 months for experienced employees and 6 months for fresher or less experienced employees.

Seniors, please correct me if I am wrong.

Regards,
Sunil Singhal

It totally depends on different company policies, but in my view, it should be applicable to all levels in the company.

As far as Project Manager leave is concerned, salary deduction, and some other sort of penalty should be charged.

Thanks,
Anuranjan

Hi,

I completely agree with Anuranjan; it depends upon the company policy. However, in most companies, a probation period is there for all levels.

Regards,
Govil Nanda

Dear Seema,

The probation period is important whether the person is senior or junior. Why is the company giving a probation period?
a. Employees have to understand the company culture, activities, etc.
b. Management also has to understand the new employees.

If a new employee or an existing employee in the probation period takes a long leave without proper information, you can deduct their salary (also check your company's leave policy).

Best of luck,
Shanmugam Thilakk
Email: thilak.ts@camail.com

As per my knowledge, any employee at either the senior or junior level has the same probation period.
Om Prakash

Dear Seema,

The probationary period is included in the HR policies of every organization. It may vary by category. Generally, up to the Senior Manager level, it is 6 months, and for General Managers and above up to VP/Sr. VP, it is 3 months. In the case of leaves, the new joiner is entitled to leaves from the very first day of joining. However, they can only avail leaves after the completion of a certain period, let's say three months (you need to fix the period). Otherwise, new joiners will start availing leaves from the beginning itself.

In case of any further clarification, please do revert to [Login to view].

In our company, we don't have a probation period for management grade positions. Yes, it depends upon your company's policy.

Regards

Hi Seema, Ashu here. I am also working in an IT company. In our company, we have a probation period. For senior positions, we have a one-month probation period. Again, it depends upon the policy of the company. :)

Seema,

The probation period in each organization varies as per the company policy. Some have it compulsory for all employees. Some make it compulsory until a certain level, while others have a flexible approach and relax it based on the needs of the new resources joining.

However, the industry practice suggests that in most cases, it is relaxed for officers joining at senior positions for various reasons:
- It creates problems in adhering to the protocol.
- Some senior employees receive stock options as part of their salary package, making it difficult to calculate.
- Senior officials, considered competent, would not agree to it as it often becomes a matter of prestige.

I believe that to avoid such issues, any organization should have a strict policy that is adhered to at all levels.

-Renu