Passing Your Probationary Period at Work
A Practical Guide to Succeeding in Your New Role
The start of a new job makes anyone a little nervous, even if you know you’re perfect for the role.
For many employees, knowing how much the spotlight is on them during a probationary period can make the anxiety worse.
Probationary periods aren’t a bad thing; they’re an opportunity for both sides to decide if the match works in practice. In the UK probationary periods have become a standard feature of employment.
Most last between three and six months: the intent is simple: to give employers a chance to assess performance and fit, and to give employees space to decide whether the culture and pace are right for them.
Research shows this period carries real weight. In the UK, as many as one in five employees resign during probation. That’s a clear sign that probation isn’t just for employers, it’s for you too.
Of course, leaders shape how a workplace feels, even when they don’t try to. Hiring has slowed right down. It takes roughly eight weeks to fill a role now, compared with under five last year. That gap makes probation run a bit longer than expected.
This report is designed to help you move forward in those first months with confidence. It explains how probation works across regions, what rights you hold, and how to build the habits and relationships that turn a trial period into a strong start.