The probationary period allows the employer to ensure that a new employee will be successful in the position before investing a great deal of money or time in the employee. The terms and length of the probationary period vary from employer to employer. Probationary periods can be anywhere from one month to a year.
Some employers pay employees less during probationary periods.
Other employers may not provide health and other benefits to probationary employees. Sometimes, if an employer has a policy of firing or disciplining employees only for a good reason, the employer will establish a probationary period in which employees can be fired for any reason. Unless otherwise provided for in a contract or other employment agreement, you are probably still an at-will employee. If an employer believes an employee is not performing up to par at the end of the probationary period, the period may be extended. Your employer should tell you when you are hired whether or not you have a probationary period.