How often should probationary employees ideally be evaluated?

Evaluating probationary employees quarterly is ideal because it allows supervisors to monitor the employees’ performance frequently enough to address any issues that arise early in their employment. This timeframe provides a balance that gives new employees adequate time to acclimate to their roles while still ensuring that they are meeting the organization's expectations.

Monthly evaluations might create an overwhelming frequency for both the supervisor and the employee, potentially straining the relationship as well as the development process. In contrast, biannual or yearly evaluations could lead to delays in addressing performance gaps, which might prevent the employee from getting the support they need to succeed early on. Quarterly evaluations strike the right balance, providing timely feedback that is constructive and impactful, promoting growth and ensuring that expectations are being met in a reasonable timeframe.