What is a significant risk that can lead to termination during a probationary period?

Failure to meet performance expectations is a significant risk that can lead to termination during a probationary period because this phase is specifically designed to evaluate an employee's suitability and effectiveness in their role. During probation, the employer is assessing whether the new hire demonstrates the required skills, knowledge, and competencies essential for the job. Consistently failing to meet established performance benchmarks indicates that the employee may not be a good fit for the position, leading to termination as part of the employer's effort to ensure that only capable individuals are retained in their roles.

Meeting performance expectations is crucial for long-term employment, especially during the initial phase where trust and understanding of job duties are being established. Even if there are issues like poor attendance, insubordination, or miscommunication, these may not automatically result in termination unless they specifically impact the employee's ability to perform their job effectively. However, continuous subpar performance directly undermines the rationale for hiring the employee in the first place, making it a key concern for the employer during the probationary evaluation.