Should You Be Concerned If Your Probation Period Is Extended At Work?

The purpose of a probation period is to give the employer and the employee time to assess each other. From the employer’s perspective, you need to be capable of the job and, ideally, integrate well with the other members of staff. 

As an employee, you’ll want to ensure you are happy with the work you’re doing and that you like the atmosphere. In most cases, the probationary period is enough time for each party to evaluate the other and a decision to be made regarding a permanent position in the firm.

Of course, that means it can be quite concerning when you find out that your probation period is being extended. You may feel that your next step is to a good unfair dismissal employment lawyer. However, before you seek their valuable advice, consider this:

• You’re not being terminated

If your employee wasn’t happy with you or didn’t see any potential they wouldn’t be extending your probation period. It’s much easier and completely legal to simply fire you and move on.

The fact that you’re not being terminated is confirmation they can see a place for you in the business, there are simply a few areas that still need to be tweaked. 

• All options are still open

Don’t forget that the probationary period is a two-way street. It’s your opportunity to assess your new employer and, if the probation period is being extended you have to ask yourself if you are truly happy in the business. 

Extending the probation period allows you to choose between a commitment to stay and looking for another job. You can easily leave the employment without notice during the probation period. 

Focus On Improving

Instead of being concerned about the extension, you need to decide if you want to work at the company. This decision is yours. But, if the answer is yes there are things you can do to turn the probation into a permanent role.

The first step is to ask your employer in which areas they feel you are lacking. It may be experience, commitment, or even tardiness. Explain to your employer that you like working with them and need to know what areas you have to work on.

Then, once you know what they are looking for you can focus on improving. In many cases, you don’t need to improve much. Instead, you need to show your employer that you are trying and are willing to adapt. This confirms their belief in your potential and will allow the end of the extension with a contract. 

In some cases, employers are simply looking at how you react to the extension. Taking a positive approach shows you are committed to the company and ready to deal with anything that comes your way. These are valuable employee attributes and the employer will appreciate them. 

It can seem disheartening. But, getting a probation extension can be the stimulus you need to really shine in your new role.