Hiring new employees is always a risk. No matter how impressive someone may seem during the interview, it’s often only after they start working that you can truly assess if they’re the right fit. This is where probationary periods come in.
Our latest guide, The Business Owner’s Guide to Probationary Periods, walks you through everything you need to know to make sure your probation processes are as effective as possible.
A probationary period isn’t just for employers—it gives employees the chance to determine if the job suits them as well. However, if mismanaged, it can lead to performance issues, unclear expectations, and harder-to-address concerns later on.
Here’s a sneak peek of what the guide covers:
- What exactly is a probationary period? While there are no legal requirements for probationary periods, they typically range from one to six months. We break down how to determine the best length based on the role and other factors.
- How do probationary periods affect contractual rights? Learn what statutory rights must remain intact during probation and how you can adjust notice periods or benefits to protect your business.
- How to set clear expectations for new employees. From job descriptions to short-term goals, clear communication is key. We explain how to establish measurable goals and introduce company culture to give your new hires the best chance to succeed.
- What to do when things don’t go as planned. If performance issues arise, we provide guidance on extending probation periods, offering additional training, and knowing when it’s time to move forward with dismissal.
By the end of the guide, you’ll have a step-by-step framework to ensure that both your business and your new employees are set up for success from day one.
Download the guide today and make sure your probationary processes are robust, fair, and in line with best practices. If you have any questions or need further advice, we’re here to help! Contact us for a confidential chat.
Holly Mapstone is an HR expert and specialises in helping those of you in the SME sector with all of your HR needs.
Consultancy allows Holly to be agile and to adapt her style and support to suit the needs of her clients. Building strong working relationships allows Holly to deliver improvements, while also aligning people strategy to business outcomes and promoting resilient and positive cultures.
Need Advice?
If you need a hand with any of this, or anything else when it comes to the people and practices in your business, we’d love to help. We are always happy to debate the pros/cons, dos/don’ts with you so please do talk to us if we can help in any way, we are here to support you. Just give us a call and arrange a free consultation. You can talk to Alison directly on 07967 221595 or email info@enlightenhr.com
