Nursery World - HR Update: How to handle probations

While it's good to include a probationary period clause in your employment contract, you need to carry out performance reviews during that time, advises Jacqui Mann, managing director of HR4Nurseries

TWO-WAY PROCESS

It is certainly important to ask yourself if you have met regularly with the employee and given clear instructions as to what is expected of them. If the answer is no, then I would question whether you have been fair to the new employee. Without clear objectives, no one knows what is expected of them.

I recommend carrying out three formal probation reviews during the probation period: one at 30 days, another at 60 days and the final review at 90 days. At 90 days, confirm employment or dismiss.

Probation reviews are a two-way process, with the employee contributing and being asked how they feel things are progressing. Ask the employee if they need additional training or support to achieve their objectives.

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