Hello Everyone- Can an employer extend a probationary period?

Divina Hernandez

October 30,2023 at 1:24PM UTC

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Hello Everyone- Can an employer extend a probationary period? I was out sick for a good amount of time at the beginning. But, throughout my one year I was never provided a 6 month evaluation. My supervisor said it was because I missed at the beginning of my probation never mentioned performance…. What can I do to not lose my job?

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AnonymousOctober 30,2023 at 2:13PM UTC
Do your job and do it well. Own your position and not point fingers. If you're worried about 1 missed job performance I think you know why they may end up being concerned. You could have requested that meeting when you were in the business, etc. Maybe you did. But it sounds like you can identify what their concerns may be.
AnonymousOctober 30,2023 at 4:56PM UTC
In Europe, most companies extend the probation time with the time an employee was sick during the probation time. It's legal and normal here.
An evaluation is two-sided. You can and have to ask for it.
AnonymousOctober 30,2023 at 5:16PM UTC
Straight talk express: it sounds like your employer is setting up a scenario where they will terminate your employment at the end of the probationary period. Sounds like you might think the same, too. If your sick leave or performance weren't an issue, I sense they'd move you to a full time / permanent employee status.
If you want to salvage this job, then get assertive and ask for a performance review instead of sitting there waiting until someone offers it to you. I agree with another poster, ask for it! Understand where you boss is: are they fixated on your attendance record or are they forward looking?
While this may be an uncomfortable conversation, you'll be able to plot next steps in case this includes looking for a new job.
Divina HernandezOctober 31,2023 at 1:32PM UTC
Recently, my supervisor sent me an email regarding flexibility. And brought up in a 1-1 her expectations. There was nothing provided to me prior to that. I had asked multiple times for a 6 month eval and nothing was provided to me. And now that is what I was told. I have another one-one with her today. So, I will most likely ask point blank for clarity if it is due to performance or due to absence at the beginning. I had not asked again for my one year eval because my union advised me not to. Since , if they do try to dismiss me I can still fight since nothing was provided to me beforehand to “fix” whatever was given to me….
AnonymousOctober 31,2023 at 1:51PM UTC
Have you received negative feedback or a negative 1-year review?
In my last position, I never received the usual 30-day review or any feedback until my 1-year evaluation. And even then, my supervisor proved to have avoidant tendencies and never even went over my evaluation with me. It had nothing to do with me.
Valerie RiegerOctober 31,2023 at 3:56PM UTC
We have a 90 day introductory period. In our offer letter, we include that periods of extended absence may extend the introductory period. If we have to extend the introductory period, we use that time to ensure that the employee receives the appropriate amount of training and is progressing satisfactorily. We've not terminated anyone that we have extended their introductory period.
AnonymousOctober 31,2023 at 4:33PM UTC
Check your offer letter and then have another sit down with your manager and/or HR let them know that you are aware of the missed time due to illness and that you want their help to assure you are on track for any feedback needed to continue to excel in your role. Assuming that you are doing fine in the role they should guide and help you. Their words during that meeting will illuminate where you stand with your role. Go into it with positivity and a list if you can of what you have achieved. Acknowledge that you may be behind because of missed time and let them know your commitment to the role and being great.
AnonymousOctober 31,2023 at 5:25PM UTC
I don't understand. Did they write you up for the absence? How long did they extend the probation period? Do you have a termination warning in writing? If there is a PIP or termination warning, what you need to do is precisely what is written in that document. If you can exceed the expectations in the write-up, all the better.
Maggie StoneNovember 1,2023 at 1:02PM UTC
What makes you think that your job is at risk? Has there been negative feedback, disciplinary action, or some kind of PIP? If not, I wouldn’t make assumptions, I would be proactive and politely ask to schedule a 1:1 or a review, or at least be direct and ask if they are going to extend the probationary period due to your leave.