When people start new careers many of these new employees are under a 30 to 90 day probation period, where the employer can choose to terminate the worker without reason. Spring Personnel conducted a survey comprised of managers and employees and revealed that nearly 1/5 of new recruits do not pass their probation period.
Overall poor performance was cited as the number one reason employees were let go. A close second, coming in at 50%, was absence and finally, poor punctuality. The most surprising reason some new workers were let go prior to the end of their probation period was “personality clashes”. Twelve percent of respondents pointed to an argument as a cause to refuse an ongoing contract.
Businesses are not prone to extending a probation period for a worker, even though this can be an option. Most employees, according to the survey, feel extremely insecure during their probation period. Some went as far as saying they put more effort in during the first few months than when they were assured their role was permanent.
In some cases, landing the job role might be the easy part while maintaining the position can be harder.
The survey was conducted by an independent research firm and questioned 403 UK workers responsible for employees going through probationary periods at work. It also included 1,498 UK adults who have held permanent roles in the last year.