What is a probationary period?

A probationary period is a trial period at the start of a new hire’s employment. It gives both the employer and the employee a chance to determine whether the working relationship is a good fit before making things fully official. During this time, the new hire is typically evaluated on their performance, behavior, attendance, and how well they mesh with the team.

For small business owners, a probationary period can serve as a built-in safety net. It allows you to assess a new team member in real-world conditions while giving them a fair shot at learning the role and settling in. Tools like Homebase Hiring & Onboarding can help you keep track of hiring timelines and employee performance during probation.

How long is a typical probationary period?

Most probationary periods last between 30 to 90 days, though they can be shorter or longer depending on the role and industry. Some businesses use a 3-month or 6-month trial period to evaluate performance and fit before offering full-time status or additional benefits.

Make sure the length of the probationary period is clearly communicated in your job offer or employment contract.

What happens during a probationary period?

This phase isn’t just about watching and waiting—it’s a time for intentional onboarding and communication. During a probationary period, employers typically:

Provide training and set clear expectations
Monitor the employee’s performance and attitude
Give regular feedback and check-ins
Determine whether the employee is meeting the standards for the role

Likewise, the employee is getting a feel for the company, the team, and the job itself. A well-managed probation period benefits both sides.

Is a probationary period legally required?

In most cases, no. A probationary period is optional and determined by the employer. That said, if you include one in your hiring process, it’s important to:

Document it in the offer letter or employment agreement
Outline the expectations and what will be evaluated
Stay consistent in how it’s applied across employees

Also keep in mind that if your business operates in an at-will employment state, a probationary period doesn’t limit your ability to terminate employment at any time (with or without cause)—but it’s still a helpful structure.

A probationary period gives your business space to learn, coach, and course-correct. It’s not just a test—it’s an opportunity to help new employees thrive. With a little structure and the right tools, you can use this time to build stronger, more reliable teams.

Sign up for Homebase to streamline hiring, onboarding, and employee management all in one place.

What about benefits during probation?

Some employers choose to delay certain perks—like health insurance, paid time off, or access to bonuses—until after the probationary period ends. If that’s your approach, be upfront about it.

Whatever benefits timeline you decide on, make sure it’s:

Clearly explained in the employee handbook or contract
Consistently applied to all new hires
Aligned with any state or federal legal requirements

How to evaluate employees during probation

You don’t need a formal performance review process, but having some structure goes a long way. You might:

Set milestones or learning goals for the first 30, 60, and 90 days
Have a quick weekly check-in with the new hire
Ask team members for feedback on collaboration and communication
Document observations and improvements over time

At the end of the period, you can either confirm the employee’s position, extend the probation, or let them go if it’s not the right fit.

How Homebase helps you manage the probationary period

Homebase simplifies how you track employee progress and organize your team from day one. With Homebase, you can:

Onboard new hires quickly with digital documents and training checklists
Set custom milestones for probationary goals and reviews
Track hours and attendance to evaluate reliability and punctuality
Stay organized with team notes and performance history

Try Homebase Hiring & Onboarding to build a more thoughtful and organized probationary period that sets new hires up for success.

‍

FAQs

No items found.