Probation, and the confirmation nobody wrote
An initial assessment period — where the most common mistake is silent extension, and the weakest position is arguing about it afterwards.
What it is
An initial period assessing suitability, commonly three to six months, often on different terms.
Confirmation
The formal act of ending probation. It should be documented, not assumed.
The trap
Letting the date pass in silence. Confirmation by conduct follows, on full terms.
Probation is an initial period during which an employee’s suitability is assessed, commonly three to six months. Terms — notice period, leave eligibility and benefits — often differ during probation. Confirmation is the formal act of ending it, and should be documented rather than assumed.
How it works in practice
A six-month probation that nobody confirms in writing usually becomes confirmation by conduct, with the employee entitled to full terms anyway.
What to watch for
Silent extension is the most common probation mistake, and the weakest position to argue from later.
How Klok handles it
Klok tracks probation end dates and prompts for a confirmation decision before the date passes.
Probation and confirmation FAQs
Can probation be extended?
Generally yes if the contract provides for it — but the extension must be communicated in writing before the original period ends. An extension announced after the date has passed is very hard to sustain.
Do probationers get leave?
That depends on your policy and the applicable state enactment, some of which extend statutory leave regardless of probation. Do not assume probation suspends every entitlement.
Is notice shorter during probation?
Usually, and legitimately so, provided the contract says it. What it cannot do is remove notice entirely where the applicable legislation requires it.
Can probation be extended indefinitely?
It can usually be extended once within stated limits, but indefinite extension tends to be read as confirmation by conduct. Someone on probation for two years is, in practice, confirmed.
Does probation affect statutory entitlements?
Statutory coverage generally does not wait for confirmation. Withholding PF or ESI enrolment until confirmation is a common and clear error.
Must confirmation be in writing?
It is far safer. Where probation ends and nothing is said, confirmation by conduct is the likely reading — which means you may have confirmed someone you intended to assess further.
Stop calculating this by hand
Klok computes it from your own attendance and salary data, every month, with the working shown.