Induction and Probation Periods

Recruiting an individual in a role forms only part of the process of employing staff.

Once a potential employee has accepted an offer of employment, induction activities should commence in order to get the workplace ready for your new recruit and to check the individual's credentials.

Having detailed induction procedures in place will ensure pre-employment checks, such as checking work references, are undertaken prior to an employee joining the company and thus give you the option to pull back on an employment offer if need be.

Induction activities should also include tasks such as assigning equipment to an employee and scheduling time for a new employee to get to know the role (if possible, spending time with the previous role incumbent) and their colleagues. Such activities might help to avoid new recruits leaving the company within the first few months of employment.

After employment has started, it's also important to keep an eye on how your new employees are doing in their role during their probationary period (and telling them where they might be going wrong).

It's also vital for an employer to confirm the end of a probation period, particularly if an employee isn't performing so well (and you want to either extend the probationary period or terminate employment). Permanent employment status will arise if you go past the probation period end date unless you have advised otherwise (in writing).

Our documents in this section are aimed at helping an employer manage employment activities associated with inducting staff and probation periods, including:

• keeping track of equipment and company property provided to new (and existing employees)
• recording employee personal, emergency contract and bank account details
• confirming the ending of a probationary period (successful and unsuccessful)

Most Popular Letters and Forms

Induction checklist & programme form
Remember to complete all pre and post-employment activities by using our pre-populated checklists.

Probation end letter (successful)
Confirm successful completion of a probationary period.