Onboarding
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How To Successfully Implement A 90 Day Probation Period At Your Company

February 23, 2023

When looking to hire new employees, employing a probation period of 90 days is a great way to ensure that the person you’re hiring is a good fit for the job.

In this blog, we will discuss what it takes to successfully implement a 90 day probation period at your company, and how a 90 day probation period can help you make sure you’ve hired the right people.

What is a 90 Day Probation Period?

A 90 day probation period is a trial period during which an employee is evaluated to determine if they are a good fit for the company.

This period allows the employer to see if the employee has the skills and abilities to do the job and if they are a good cultural fit for the company. It also allows the employee to get a feel for the company and decide if it is somewhere they would like to work long-term. Remember - a 90 day probation period works both ways!

The employer should set clear expectations for what they will be evaluating during this time and what standards the employee must meet in order to be successful.

The employee should also be given feedback on their performance throughout the probation period so that they know what areas they need to improve in.

At the end of the 90 days, both parties should sit down and discuss whether or not the probation period was successful.

If it was, then the employee can be officially hired into their role. If it was not, then the employer may choose to let the employee go or give them another chance by extending their 90 day probation period.

Benefits of A 90 Day Probation Period

There are many benefits to implementing a 90 day probation period at your company. Here are just a few:

1. It allows you to assess whether or not the new hire is a good fit for your company.

2. It gives the new hire time to adjust to their new role and responsibilities.

3. It allows you to identify any training or development needs that the new hire may have.

4. It provides an opportunity for the new hire to demonstrate their skills to the company.

5. It can help reduce turnover in your company by ensuring that only those who are truly committed to their job remain employed.

How To Structure A 90 Day Probation Period

The first 90 days of employment are critical for setting the tone and expectations for the rest of an employee’s tenure with your company.

That’s why it’s important to have a well-defined probation period, which will help you determine if an employee is a good fit for your organization.

Here’s how to structure a 90 day probation period:

1. Define the objectives of the probation period.

2. Communicate the objectives to other managers or supervisors working with the recently hired individual.  

3. Set clear expectations for performance and behavior during the probation period.

4. Monitor progress toward meeting the objectives throughout the probation period.

5. Conduct a final review at the end of the 90 days to assess whether or not the employee has met the objectives and is suitable for continued employment.

Setting Clear Expectations and Goals for New Employees during the 90 Day Probation Period

It is essential that you set clear expectations and goals for new employees during their probation period. By doing so, they will know what is expected of them and will be able to work towards meeting those expectations.

Additionally, having clear goals will help to measure their progress and determine if they are a good fit for the company.

Some things that you may want to include in your expectations and goals are:

-The job duties that are expected to be performed
-The level of performance that is expected
-The amount of time that is allotted for training
-Any specific projects or tasks that need to be completed during the probation period

Be sure to go over these expectations and goals with your new employee during their first day on the job. This will ensure that there are no misunderstandings and that they are aware of what is expected of them.

Tips for Evaluating Employee Performance During the 90 Day Probation Period

When it comes to evaluating employee performance during the 90 day probation period, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First and foremost, it’s important to be consistent with your evaluations. This means setting up a system for how you will evaluate employees and then sticking to that system throughout the 90 day probation period. Keep your evaluations the same for employees in the same roles.

It’s also important to be as objective as possible when evaluating employees. This means basing your evaluations on facts and not letting personal biases or preferences get in the way.

To do this, you can create a checklist of objectives that each employee needs to meet during the probation period. This will help ensure that you are judging each employee fairly.

Finally, don’t forget to give feedback to employees throughout the probation period in real time. This feedback should be both positive and constructive so that employees know what they are doing well and what areas they need to improve in.

By giving feedback, you can help employees succeed during their probation period and beyond.

Strategies for Handling Poor Performance During the 90 Day Probation Period

If you're considering implementing a 90 day probation period at your company, it's important to have a plan in place for how you'll handle poor performance during that time. Here are a few strategies to consider:

1. Set clear expectations from the start. Be sure your employees know what is expected of them during the probation period and what kind of performance will be considered unsatisfactory. This will help to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding down the road.

2. Document everything. Keep detailed records of your employees' performance during the probation period. This will be helpful if you need to refer back to them later on.

3. Have regular check-ins. Meet with your employees regularly to discuss their progress and give feedback. This will help them stay on track and also give you an opportunity to address any concerns early on.

4. Be prepared to take action. If an employee is not meeting your expectations, be prepared to take disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Alternatives To The 90 Day Probation Period

Not all employers feel that a 90 day probation period is necessary - and that's okay! There are a few alternatives that employers can use to determine if an employee is a good fit for their company.

One alternative is to have the employee complete a trial period before they are officially hired. This trial period can be anywhere from two weeks to three months, and during this time the employee may be a contractor or a 1099 employee.

During this time, the employer will closely monitor the employee's job performance and see if they are a good fit for the company. If they are not, then the employer can let them go without having to go through the hassle of terminating their employment.

Another alternative is to provide training to the employees during their first few weeks on the job. This training should cover all aspects of the job and help prepare them for success in their role. After completing this training, employers can then evaluate how well each employee did and make a decision about whether or not they should be kept on staff.

The last alternative is to have an informal evaluation process during an employee's first few weeks on the job. This evaluation process should include feedback from supervisors, coworkers, and clients or customers.

Closing Thoughts on 90 Day Probation Periods

A 90 day probation period is an effective way to ensure that new hires are adequately trained and equipped to take on their roles. By putting in place a proper process, companies can guarantee that they have hired the right candidate for the job while also giving employees the time and guidance needed to succeed.

It’s important to remember, however, that implementing a successful probation period involves more than just setting deadlines - it requires establishing clear expectations from both parties and providing consistent feedback throughout the entire process.

With the right approach and execution, organizations can benefit from having productive employees who are ready for long-term success at their company!

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