When did it become normal to have a probation period at work?

[HauntedBungalow]

I didn't come across it until some time in the 2000s. Seems a bit overkill given you can fire at will during the first two years anyway.

Basically, employees tend to think that a shorter period is ok because they only have the experience of themselves, and they assume they’re good.
However, as employers, we have dealt with numerous hires over the years and have had to deal with the fallout of rubbish employees, which is why we argue for the longer probation period.

Lots of things 'wouldn't have to be that hard' in the public sector if they had competent people, but they don't, so you need safety nets and policies that manage that as much as possible.

(And maybe they would have more competent HR people if they'd had a 6 month probation?)

The 6 month probation is a very basic minimum and anyone who cares about how their taxes are spent in the public sector should be in favour of it.

I had a probation period in 1981 when I started work , I think it was six months.

You need a different HR service 😉

I agree

I had a probation period in my first job in 1982!