Legal Definitions - Probationary period

Probationary period

A probationary period is a specific amount of time that an employee must work before they can gain full rights and benefits of their job. This is common in some jobs, such as public sector or union positions.

For example, if a new teacher is hired by a school district, they may have to work a probationary period of one year before they can become a permanent employee with full benefits. During this time, the school district can evaluate the teacher's performance and decide if they are a good fit for the job.

In another example, a police officer may have to work a probationary period of six months before they can become a full-time officer with all the benefits and job security that come with it. During this time, the police department can evaluate the officer's performance and decide if they are a good fit for the job.

The examples illustrate how a probationary period works in different jobs. During this time, the employer can evaluate the employee's performance and decide if they are a good fit for the job. If the employee performs well and meets the requirements of the job, they can become a permanent employee with full benefits and job security. If not, the employer may choose not to continue their employment after the probationary period ends.