01/09/2026
The probation period is ending. What happens next?
Probation gives an employer time to assess a new employee's performance and suitability for the role.
If the employee isn't meeting the required standards, the first step shouldn't automatically be termination. Employers should identify the areas of concern, provide clear feedback and give the employee reasonable support and an opportunity to improve.
Where more time is genuinely needed to assess progress, an extension of the probation period may be appropriate.
If the required standards are still not met after a fair process has been followed, the employer may need to consider further action.
Probation should be actively managed throughout the period, not simply reviewed when the end date arrives.
Need support managing probation? EMS can assist with performance reviews, documentation and the appropriate process when concerns arise.
π 031 350 3260
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π www.employeemanagementservices.co.za