Q. How long should a probationary period be?
A: A probationary period is similar to a trial period where both the employer and the employee have an opportunity to take a period of time to assess suitability for a new position.
Common probationary periods are either three months or six months, running concurrently with the six month minimum period of employment where the employee cannot make a claim for unfair dismissal (or 12 months for small business employers), introduced in the Fair Work Act 2009.
However employers should consider the appropriate length of time according to the circumstances. If the period is too short there may not be enough time to make an informed assessment of performance. This is especially so for positions that have in depth training and will take longer to learn.
Employers may wish to provide a probation period that is between four to six months to allow sufficient time for assessment of performance, whilst still being protected from claims for unfair dismissal.
If you would like to discuss what probationary period length might be right for your business, call Industryus HR on 07 5655 4047 or click here to visit our contact form where you are able to send us a message and we will get back to you ASAP.
