Probation Period Violation Suspensions

Probation Period Violation Suspensions

Starting a new job can be stressful. There’s so much to learn and you want to make a good impression. Many jobs have a probation period, usually around 90 days, to see if you’re a good fit before making you a permanent employee. But what if you make a mistake during that time? Can your employer fire you for violating a policy when you’re still learning the ropes? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Let’s break down probation period violation suspensions and what your options are if you find yourself in this tricky situation.

What Is a Probation Period?

First, let’s define what a probation period is. This is a set amount of time, determined by the employer, for a new employee to prove themselves. It allows the company to provide training and evaluate if you have the necessary skills and attitude to succeed in the role long-term. During this time, you can be let go for any nondiscriminatory reason, even if more senior staff would be given progressive discipline. It’s meant to be a trial period where they can end employment easily if you’re not a fit.

Many employment contracts and employee handbooks will spell out the length of the probation period, which is often 90 days but can be longer for some roles. You may also have a separate probation policy that outlines expectations and rules during this timeframe. Be sure to review these closely when starting a new job so you know what guidelines you’re expected to follow.

Can You Be Suspended During Probation?

Yes, employers can definitely suspend an employee who violates policy during their probation period. They may also opt to give a warning, final warning or terminate employment altogether since probationers generally have fewer rights. Suspension during probation means being temporarily removed from your duties and prohibited from working for several days up to two weeks.

Your employer has discretion on whether a suspension is warranted for an infraction versus firing you on the spot. Factors they may consider are the severity of the violation, how early it occurred in the probation period, whether you admitted fault and showed remorse, and your overall performance so far. Suspensions allow them to discipline and get your attention while giving you another chance.

Common Reasons for Probation Suspensions

Now let’s look at some common scenarios that could lead to a probation violation suspension:

• Attendance issues – Calling out sick excessively, arriving late, taking longer breaks than allowed, etc. Probation periods often have stricter attendance rules to ensure you can be reliable.
• Performance problems – Not meeting quality or productivity standards, making too many mistakes, inability to learn tasks, sloppy work, etc. They expect you to be getting up to speed.
• Insubordination – Refusing to follow a supervisor’s reasonable direction, having a bad attitude, being argumentative, etc. Probationers may be let go for this where a regular employee would be warned first.
• Misconduct – Sexual harassment, bullying, violence, drug or alcohol use at work, etc. While these would get anyone disciplined, probationers have less leeway.
• Safety violations – Not following safety protocols, neglecting to wear protective equipment, reckless behavior, etc. Safety is a top priority so this is taken very seriously.
• Confidentiality breaches – Sharing proprietary information, removing sensitive documents, accessing unauthorized files, etc. Maintaining confidentiality is usually a condition of employment.
• Social media violations – Posting complaints about the company, sharing confidential info, inappropriate content, etc. Companies don’t want new hires bashing them online.
• Policy breaches – Not complying with the company handbook, dress code, computer use policies, expense procedures, etc. Probation period is about learning and following all the rules.

What Should You Do if Suspended?

Getting suspended from work is upsetting, especially when you’re still in the probation period trying to prove yourself. Here are some tips on handling it:

• Remain calm – As frustrating as it is, keep emotions in check. Arguing or lashing out will only backfire.
• Reflect on what happened – Carefully review what rule or expectation you violated. Think about what led to it and how you can improve.
• Speak respectfully – When discussing it with your manager, remain composed. Do not get defensive but acknowledge responsibility.
• Present a plan – Come up with a concrete plan to prevent another infraction. This shows you’re committed to correcting the issue.
• Communicate transparently – Check in with your manager regularly during the suspension about your plan and progress.
• Seek advice – Talk to a mentor or employment attorney to better understand your rights and options. But be cautious sharing details publicly.
• Use the time productively – Don’t sulk at home. Take online courses, study the employee handbook, work on skills.
• Return ready to improve – Come back focused, prepared to follow all policies, and determined to exceed expectations.

Refusing the Suspension

Some employees may feel a probation suspension is unfair and want to contest it by refusing to comply. But this will likely only make the situation worse. Unless you have evidence the discipline is discriminatory, it’s best not to be insubordinate.

You can request an informal review by HR or file a formal appeal of the suspension per company policy. But refusing to leave work until those are heard will just demonstrate you don’t respect leadership’s authority. If you need to be escorted out by security, it almost guarantees termination. So go home as directed and make your case through proper channels.

When Probation Suspension Leads to Termination

Unfortunately, it’s common for a probation violation suspension to ultimately end in termination. Being suspended reveals issues that make the employer believe you won’t be a fit long-term. And unlike with a tenured employee, they don’t have to give you many chances during a trial period.

Sometimes probation suspensions are intended to just buy time while they decide whether to let you go. Other times, the hope is a few days off will be a wake-up call. But if you’re suspended, you should be prepared that termination could follow. The best course is to humbly accept the discipline, reflect on missteps, and convince them you’re committed to improvement.

With an at-will employment arrangement, which most jobs are, an employer can dismiss a probationary employee for any reason or no reason at all. So trying to fight the termination usually won’t get your job back. But if you believe it was discriminatory, discuss your options with an attorney. There are some protections around wrongful discharge.

Moving Forward After Probation Suspension

Losing a job, especially so soon after starting, is a real blow. But don’t let it destroy your confidence. Learn from the experience and focus on bouncing back. Take accountability for the missteps that got you suspended without self-loathing. Then explain the situation honestly to future employers emphasizing your growth.

With probation periods, companies get to test-drive new hires with minimal commitment. It’s not necessarily a reflection of your skills if you don’t make it through. Chalk it up to not being the right fit. The right employer will appreciate your self-awareness, grace under fire, and determination to succeed. While getting suspended or terminated during probation feels lousy in the moment, it can, in the end, lead you where you’re meant to be.

So stay optimistic if you find yourself in this tough spot. Do some soul-searching, lean on your support system, and trust that the perfect job for you is out there. A probation violation suspension isn’t the end of the world—just a bump in the road and opportunity to improve. You got this!