Probation must be managed in keeping with the principles and practices of good Industrial Relations. Therefore, you can use the following as a guide when determining if correct procedures were used in the execution of a probationary period:
- You must be informed at the start of your employment that: (a) you are on probation, (b) the length of probationary time and (c) the possibilities of extension, also, (d) the expected standards you are to meet.
- You should be provided with a job description and standard of performance.
- Fair and documented appraisals should be conducted during the period of probation.
- Any shortcomings should be communicated to you, and you should be allowed sufficient opportunity to improve within the probationary time.
- There should be open lines of communication where you are allowed to give your feedback.
- You should be warned, if there are to be any disciplinary action and/or extension of the probationary period, due to the fact that your improvement has been considered unsatisfactory.
- Ideally, a letter of confirmation of employment, or a letter of extension of your probationary period, should be given at least 2 weeks before the end of probation.