Why employee probation periods are important

Why carrying out employee probation periods are important

It is imperative that employees follow not only a strict safer recruitment process but also carry out employee probation periods. When recruiting new employees, it can often be difficult to know whether you have found the right candidate and having the correct HR procedures in place can determine whether you have the right candidate or not, there is a fantastic pack here to help with your recruitment process.

Probation periods allow managers to monitor employees performance over a period of time, ensuring they are meeting their job roles and responsibilities. When carrying out probation reviews, it can often be more efficient to have a 3 and 6-month review. Using a probationary review proforma to complete during the meeting is essential as this gives both the employee and employer a document to refer to.

Below are a few reasons why carrying out employee probation periods are important

• To identify areas of weakness – It is important to liaise with other staff who work within the same room as the new employee as often things can be identified during everyday practice and these will need to be shared during the employee’s probationary review meeting.

• To ensure all employees have been treated fairly – All employers should make sure they adhere to the equality act 2010 and treat all employees fairly. By conducting probationary periods for all employees, this shows a fair and equal HR procedure.

• To identify training needs – Probation periods are an ideal opportunity to identify any training needs that are required. This can be discussed during the probationary review meeting.

• To openly discuss employee’s performance – A probationary period review allows both parties to come together during a meeting and talk openly about their performance, targets can be set using a probation review proforma.

Above are just some of the reasons why carrying out probation periods are important. A point to remember when conducting a probationary review meeting is to highlight the positives, not just the negative points.