In this episode, Sarah Ropek and Claire Cathcart unpack a common but often misunderstood people practice: what’s the point of a probationary period?

They explore why probation is so often treated as a safety net but ends up being ignored, rushed, or reduced to a tick-box exercise. From unclear expectations and missed reviews to the impact of upcoming Employment Rights Act changes, they discuss what probation is actually for, how long it should last, and why early, honest conversations matter more than the label itself. Along the way, they share practical insight on setting expectations, supporting performance early, and making better decisions before issues become harder to manage..