INTRODUCTION:
Over the past couple of years, reports have revealed that there are almost two jobs for each active job seeker. So, you’ve likely seen friends and family land new jobs. You may have also moved to “greener” work pastures. So, have you ever wondered why some people’s career bliss lasts less than three to six months then they suddenly get fired?
When someone gets fired from a new job early during their employment, it’s likely because of an unsuccessful probationary period.
REASONS:
Poor performance; Inappropriate behavior; and culture violation.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD DEFINED:
So, what is a probationary period. Well, think of it as a trial period for the employee and the employer to see if they are a good fit for each other. Some employers’ probationary periods last three, six, nine months, and sometimes up to one year. In general, if things don’t work out well, either side can call it quits. As you might imagine though, the employer, not the employee, is overwhelmingly the one to do so.
REASONS IN DETAIL:
Throughout my thirty-year HR career, I have seen employees’ unacceptable performance; Inappropriate behavior; and/or culture violations cited as the most frequent reasons for the probationary period parting of employment ways.
Poor Performance is the most cited reason for an employee being terminated from their job during their probationary period. A new employee is not expected to perform perfectly. We are all human and all make mistakes. But, when an employee is unable to complete their assigned tasks after they receive proper training and tools, it impacts the business in many ways. Other team members’ workload increases because they have to do the work that their fellow teammate could not. This can negatively impact employee morale. The business can lose clients and money.
If employees’ poor performance causes the company to miss deadlines and/or not keep their business agreements with their customers, their reputation will also suffer. If not corrected, the company can go out of business. This is why it is key when you are a new employee, to ask, during your interview, about the training that you will receive and when will you be expected to perform at full capacity. Also, ask for a copy of your job description, review it carefully, because it is the key to understanding your job responsibilities.
During your first couple of days on your new job, ask your manager how they will measure successful performance. Quickly let your manager know if the training and tools that you receive is not enough to support your on-the-job success.
Inappropriate Behavior – Every employer has standards of acceptable employee behavior. It should be no surprise that this can include a no tolerance policy for profanity, threats, harassment, workplace bullying, insubordination; discrimination, falsification of records, violence; and job abandonment.
These behaviors, and possibly others, can get you fired immediately. Other, less egregious unacceptable behavior may include being late to work; taking unauthorized or extended work breaks; not reporting to work when scheduled; failure to follow policy. These could result in a reprimand or written warning, or suspension.
Culture Violation – Each employer’s workplace culture sets the tone for how its employees and stakeholders treat each other. It is also a manifestation of the behaviors that support its mission, vision, beliefs, and core values. So, a new employee can easily jeopardize their continued employment by going against those expectations.
Consider Chick-Fil-A. How long do you think that a new employee who refused to respond to customers with “My Pleasure,” would last? Not long. The employer’s thought process is likely that, the new employee’s questionable judgement might only get worse if they don’t part ways with them now. So, even if the expectations are unspoken, be mindful of how you conduct yourself.
Policy Violation –
IN CONCLUSION:
Don’t land your new job only to lose it in the blink of an eye. Word to the wise, don’t be afraid to ask if you’re uncertain about an action that you’re considering taking. Remember…better safe than sorry.
Well, as you know, my goal is to help everyone to live their best career life. So, if you’ve found this post helpful, share it. Like it. Subscribe. Or leave me a comment or a question. I’d love to hear from you.
Career Search Success to You! Go Get Your New Job!
