Probation period and future career planning

For many employees, starting their career in a company starts with a probation period, which is necessary not only for the employer but also for the employee. After all, often a dream job or company is not as attractive as it seemed once you have worked there.

Probation period not only for employee

A probation period is subject to slightly different conditions than becoming a permanent employee (even more so when the contract is fixed-term). Contracts contain all the most important terms and conditions, so it is up to the employee to read them in as much detail as possible to avoid any confusion later. This time allows the employee to get to know his/her colleagues, the culture that is fostered in the working conditions, and finally the schedule (especially if it varies or if overtime is often required.

Of course, this is the time when you look at the motivation of the employee. After the probation period, a fixed-term or open-ended contract (for a period of 2020 or more, depending on the needs of the employer and the employee) is unfortunately not always forthcoming. Although dismissals are quite rare in Lithuanian employment practice, they do exist.

Of course, more attention needs to be paid to the length of probationary employment. The Labour Code defines that the probation period in 2019 (or more precisely, as of the date of adoption of the Code) cannot exceed 3 months. Under the new Labour Code, it cannot be extended for a longer period, i.e. the maximum probation period is no longer than 3 months.

If it is apparent that one or the other party does not feel comfortable in a particular workplace, dismissal is possible. Termination is open to both the employee and the employer. Is it necessary to finish the work started? Yes, within 3 working days (unless the employer allows not to do so).

The end and the result

At the end of the probation period, the employment contract is usually re-signed. The terms and conditions may be slightly different from what you were aware of before, so make sure you analyse them in detail. Salaries tend to go up, and the next steps in your career planning seem clearer (you can predict which positions you can move up to if you do well).

Career planning should of course be coordinated with the employer right away, as some employers specify that there is nowhere to go from a certain position. Otherwise, there are usually tests and you have to compete with your colleagues.