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Onboarding new team members from around the globe means navigating probationary periods in different countries, especially since research shows over 85% of countries place legal limits on the duration of these trial periods. Understanding local probationary periods gives your international team a legally sound start, allowing you to create a compliant workplace environment that follows the rules and empowers workers.
Because global employment laws and probation periods vary, getting it right in your new hire's employment contract is essential. Below, we'll explain the ins and outs of probationary periods and how they work.
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What is a probationary period?
A probationary period is a trial employment phase where both employer and employee evaluate whether the job is a good fit. This onboarding interval typically lasts three to six months for full-time employees.
Here's how it works: employers assess whether new hires suit their role and company culture, while employees decide if the position meets their expectations. Duration varies by country and employment law, with part-time and contract roles often having shorter periods.
So what's the point? Probationary periods let both parties evaluate whether expectations are being met—from workload to company culture fit.
If things aren't working out, employers can typically end the relationship without facing unfair dismissal claims, as long as there is a valid reason for such termination related to the employee's performance or the company's operational needs.
Probationary periods are used in the hiring process for various reasons:
Benefits of probationary periods for employers and employees
Probationary periods are trial periods that make hiring processes more efficient by giving employers and employees an opportunity to decide whether a new job or role is a good fit. Here's how these periods benefit both sides:
Benefits of probationary periods for employers
Benefits of probationary periods for employees
How long should probation periods be?
Here's where it gets interesting: probationary periods aren't universal. Some countries ban them entirely, others require them, and many leave it up to employers.
Key variations to know:
Looking for specific details on how to hire around the world? Check out our hiring guides. (There are over 50!)
Here's a list of national requirements to help you get probationary periods right when hiring globally:
How to structure a probationary period
Want your probationary periods to actually work? Start with clear communication and structured evaluation.
Before probation begins, spell out the program's goals and performance standards. Here's your roadmap:
Key Considerations for Global Probationary Periods
Think probationary periods are straightforward? Think again. What works in one country can create legal headaches or cultural friction in another.
For global employers, a one-size-fits-all approach is a recipe for trouble. Here's what you need to consider:
Hire and onboard employees globally
Creating compliant contracts with all the necessary details, such as probation periods, can be challenging. Oyster handles this and more, delivering accurate, compliant contracts tailored to local regulations.
Oyster's employer of record (EOR) service simplifies global hiring, ensuring full compliance with local labor laws and freeing you from the burden of navigating complex legal regulations. From setting up payroll to managing benefits for Team Members worldwide, Oyster's seamless, automated experience lets you skip setting up entities so you can focus on growing your business.
Discover how Oyster can help you hire compliantly anywhere in the world.
About Oyster
Oyster is a global employment platform designed to enable visionary HR leaders to find, engage, pay, manage, develop, and take care of a thriving distributed workforce. Oyster lets growing companies give valued international team members the experience they deserve, without the usual headaches and expense.
Oyster enables hiring anywhere in the world—with reliable, compliant payroll, and great local benefits and perks.
