Here are 5 things you should know about the probationary period:
1. It works both ways:
As an employee, this period allows you to make sure the position is a good fit for you
Meanwhile, the employer can assess your professional and interpersonal skills
The probationary period is not mandatory, but it remains a common practice and must be specified in your contract
2. The length of the probationary period varies depending on your status
. The legal duration of the probationary period depends on your status:
. It lasts 2 months for a laborer or employee
, 3 months for a technician or supervisor
, and 4 months if you are an executive.
3. It is renewable
. In some companies, probationary periods are renewed almost automatically
. You must be notified of this renewal either in your contract or through an official document, such as an industry-wide agreement or a letter of commitment
. For the renewal to take effect, you must accept it in writing.
4. It allows you to terminate the contract
. Ending your probationary period means terminating your employment contract; therefore, any employee is free to end their probationary period at any time, but you must give advance notice
—in other words, a period of time between announcing your intention to leave the company and your final departure: 24 hours if you have been employed for less than eight days
48 hours if you have been employed for more than one week
5. In the event of termination, you are not entitled to any compensation
. For unemployment insurance purposes, termination of the probationary period at your initiative will be considered a resignation; therefore, you will not be entitled to any specific benefits, except in a few cases where the resignation is considered “legitimate”
. In such cases, you may be eligible for the ARE (return-to-work allowance)
. However, if your employer terminates your probationary period, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits
inspired by hellowork