The probation period is a specific time frame where an organization temporarily engages the newcomers to test his/her performance at a certain time. In many organizations, it takes from 1 to 3 months. However, the probation timeline varies by organization, depending on its HR policy.
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What is the Probation Period For New Employees? |
When joining an
International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO), the probation period is a
crucial phase for both the new hire and the organization. It's a mutual
assessment period designed to ensure a good fit. Here are 5 key things every
new hire in an INGO should know about their probation:
5 Things Every New Hire Should Know
What You Need to
Know |
Description |
Key Action for New
Hires |
Purpose of Probation |
The probation period
(often 3-6 months, but can vary by country/INGO) is a trial phase. It allows
the INGO to assess your performance, capabilities, and cultural fit within
the organization and team. Simultaneously, it's your chance to evaluate if
the role, work environment, and INGO's mission align with your expectations
and career goals. |
Approach this period
as a two-way street. Be proactive in learning, adapting, and observing, while
also assessing if the INGO is the right long-term fit for you. |
Clear Expectations &
Goals |
INGOs typically set
specific objectives and performance metrics for new hires during probation.
These will likely be discussed during your onboarding and through regular
check-ins. Understanding these from day one is critical to demonstrating
success. |
Actively seek
clarification on your job description, key performance indicators (KPIs), and
expected contributions. Document these and regularly review your progress
against them. |
Regular Feedback &
Communication |
You should expect
regular feedback sessions with your line manager during probation. This
allows for early identification of any issues, provides an opportunity for
constructive criticism, and helps you improve. Open and transparent
communication is essential. |
Don't wait for
formal reviews. Proactively schedule check-ins with your manager, ask for
feedback, and communicate any challenges or questions you have. Be open to
constructive criticism. |
Performance Evaluation &
Potential Outcomes |
Towards the end of
the probation period, a formal performance appraisal will usually take place.
Based on this evaluation, the outcomes can be: confirmation of appointment
(becoming a permanent employee), extension of the probation period (to allow
more time for improvement), or termination of employment (if the fit is not
right). |
Take all feedback
seriously and actively work on areas identified for improvement. If your
performance is not meeting expectations, be prepared to discuss an
improvement plan or the possibility of termination. Document all
communication related to performance. |
Rights and Benefits During
Probation |
While on probation,
your employment rights and access to benefits might differ from permanent
employees. For instance, some INGOs may not offer full benefits (like health
insurance) until after the probation period, or the notice period for
termination might be shorter. Labor laws in the country of operation also
play a significant role. |
Familiarize yourself
with the specific terms of your employment contract and the INGO's HR
policies regarding probation, benefits, and termination. If anything is
unclear, ask HR for clarification. |
During the probation period, an employee's work
performance for assigned tasks is monitored by the employer. If the
employee meets the expectations of employer’s expectations in the probation
period, the employee's job becomes regularized as per the organization's HR policy.
In this article, we’ll discuss some important points
regarding the employee’s probation period and its pros and cons in detail.
However, the probation period topic is broad, and you need to dive deep to fully
understand it. So without further delay, let’s get started.
During The
Probation, Either Party Can Terminate the Job Contract Without Assigning Any
Reason.
The probationary period allows the organization to
terminate the employee who is not doing well at his/her job or is otherwise
deemed not suitable for a particular position.
For employees, the probationary period is to see if
they enjoy working with the organization and whether the employee is a suitable
match for their skills and abilities.
The probationary period for the lower-level
staff shall be one month to check the work progress results, and the supervisor
may extend the period for an additional 1 month to reassess the
employee's performance.
If the employee's performance is still unsatisfactory,
the organization has the sole authority to discontinue the employment contract
of employment without any reason.
The supervisor shall check the staff's performance during
the period on completion of the probationary period and shall be
confirmed in his/ her job on the formal review by the immediate supervisor,
endorsed by the head of the company.
LEVEL OF JOBS AND PROBATIONARY
PERIOD:
S. No |
Job Level |
Probation Period |
1 |
HIGHER
MANAGEMENT |
No probationary period is applicable (in case
of a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience in a similar or higher
position) |
2 |
MIDDLE-LEVEL
MANAGEMENT |
5 Months probationary period applicable (with
less than 10 years of relevant work experience) |
3 |
PROFESSIONAL |
3 Months probationary period applicable (with
less than 5 years of relevant work experience) |
4 |
SUPPORT STAFF |
1 Month probationary period applicable (with
less than 3 years of relevant work experience) |
In the case of an organization that contracts employees for regular employment, the probationary period will be two (2) months.
Upon expiry of the probationary period, confirmations
will be based on recommendations received from the line manager.
On expiry, based on unsatisfactory performance,
the probationary period may be extended for another three months, at
the Organization's sole discretion.
The probationary period may further be extended
beyond six months as the confirmation of the employment cannot be done due
to ongoing investigations / disciplinary processes, at the organization's
sole discretion.
Termination During
Probation:
There are 2 types of termination stages. One is that
usually given a straightforward statement or call on why the associate the
employee is being terminated due to his/her low efficiency during
the probationary period.
Sample of Successful
Probation Completion Letter
<Date>
Private and confidential
<Insert employee’s full name>
<Date of confirmation letter>
<Insert employee’s residential address>
Dear <insert employee name>
Successful Completion of Probation Period
Your probation period with <insert organization
name and the section name of nature> is due to end on <insert
probation period ending date.
I am pleased to confirm your ongoing employment
effective <immediately/from <insert date that is either on or
before the first day after the probation period is due to end>>.
The terms and conditions of employment set out in your
original <contract/letter of engagement> dated <insert
date> will continue to apply to your ongoing position.
Thank you for your contribution to <insert
business name>.
Yours sincerely,
<Insert name>
<Insert position>
What Are Probation
Period Completion Benefits?
Indeed, it's a big question for a new employee who has just
successfully completed his/her probation period. Employee benefits vary
in all organizations, but some common financial and coverage benefits are
covered here.
Financial
Benefits:
Immediately, an employee is eligible to get a monthly salary
increase, and with some basic deductions as well to make the employee secure, i.e., Gratuity, Provident Fund, Advance, and loan provisions, etc.
Coverage:
Soon after the completion of the probation period, an employee is eligible to enjoy the following coverage benefits from the employer.
Life and Health Insurance
Medical Insurance for the employee and their whole family dependents
Frequently Asked
Questions:
What is the
Meaning of Employee Probation?
Probation refers to an initial testing employment period
at the start of a full-time or part-time newly inducted employee's association
that is generally set out in their appointment letter. The Act refers to a
Minimum Employment Period determined by the amount of time the employee has
worked in the business and the size of the business.
What is a
Probation Period for Employees?
Probation periods are often implemented at the start of
the employment relationship. They allow an employer and employee to check that employees are suitable for the role they've been hired to
do.
Can an Employee be
fired without reason during a probation period?
Being on probation doesn't give you any specific legal
rights. You can be dismissed with 1 week’s notice while you're on probation,
or longer if your contract says you're entitled to more notice. Check your
contract to see what it says about your probation period and when you can be
dismissed.
How Can Employees Pass the Probation Period?
Be resilient
Get the basics of self-care right
Get your work-life balance right
Use stress management techniques
Maintain a positive state of mind
What Is
Probationary Period In INGOs?
There is no law determining the length of a probationary
period. However, there is an expectation that the employer will be reasonable.
It is typical for a probationary period to last no longer than six months, and
three months when an employee is moving to a new post internally.
What is a 3-month
probation period?
A 3-month probationary period employment contract is a
way for your employer to monitor your performance, to assess your capabilities, and appropriateness for the job. Once the probationary period is over, you
might be eligible for other opportunities, such as a promotion, raise, or other
position.
Can an Employee leave
a job without notice during the probation period?
If you want to leave your job, you'll normally need to give your employer some warning. This is called your notice period. If you've been in your job for less than a month, you don't have to give notice unless the contract or terms and conditions require you to.
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