The advantages & disadvantages of probation periods at work

Hiring and retaining capable employees is one of the most challenging tasks facing managers in the business world today.

Implementing a probation period at work is one course employers can take to assure that they hired the right employee. However, there are both advantages and disadvantages to probation periods at work.

The most significant and fundamental benefit of probation periods at work is the ability of an employer to evaluate employee performance without significant risk.

Another positive aspect associated with a probationary period is that the employer is capable to terminate the employee without repercussion during the evaluation term.

On the flip side, a disadvantage of probation periods at work is that an employee can resign at will, leaving the employer with an unexpected vacancy.

A probationary period has financial benefits: an employer need not make a significant financial investment (benefits, for example) in an employee until the examination period ends.

A probationary period does require an employer to make at least some financial investment that can be wasted if the employee elects to walk away from the position at will.