Probation (workplace)

In a workplace setting, probation (or a probationary period) is a status given to new employees and trainees of a company, business, or organization.

Probation is usually defined in an organization's employee handbook, typically given to workers when they first begin a job.

Whether or not this empowers employers to abuse their employees by, without warning, terminating their contract before the probation period has ended, is open for debate.

To avoid problems arising from the termination of a new employee, some organizations have waived probationary periods entirely, and instead conduct multiple interviews of the candidate, under a variety of conditions, before making the decision to hire.

In the United Kingdom, an employer is not required to pay compensation or provide any legal reason for letting go an employee during their probationary period.