How Do I Track An Employee's Probation Period?

Lightning Payroll does not have a dedicated probation field on the employee record. To track a probation period, record the details in the employee's notes and set a reminder for the date the probation period ends or is due for review.

Record The Probation Period In The Employee's Notes

Desktop App

1. Select the employee and go to Employees >> Details >> Notes.
2. Click the add (+) button on the empty row at the bottom of the notes list.
3. In the Create Employee Note window, enter the Date and the Text, for example the probation start and end dates, then click Save.

Online App

1. Select the employee and go to Employees >> Details >> Notes.
2. Click Add New.
3. Enter the Date and the Text, then click Save Changes.

Add a further note when the probation review is completed, so the employee's notes keep a dated record of the outcome.

Set A Reminder For The End Of The Probation Period

Reminders are not linked to an employee, so include the employee's name in the reminder. You need access to edit Settings to add a reminder.

Desktop App

1. Go to Settings >> Reminders.
2. Click the add (+) button on the empty row at the bottom of the reminders list.
3. In the Create a Reminder window, enter a Summary such as the employee's name and "probation review", set Frequency to ONCE, set Next to the date you want to be reminded, add Notes, then click Save.

When you open Lightning Payroll on or after that date, the reminder is shown in a Reminder pop-up.

Online App

1. Go to Settings >> Reminders.
2. Click Add reminder.
3. Enter the Reminder text, such as the employee's name and "probation review", set Next alert to the date you want to be reminded, leave Frequency as Once, add any Notes, then click Save reminder.

When the reminder is due, a count appears on the Calendar icon beside the company name at the top of the page. To see the reminder, go to Settings >> Reminders, where a reminder past its date is marked Overdue, or open the Calendar and select the reminder's date. Click Complete once the probation review is done.

HR+ customers can also use the probation templates in HR >> Template Library in the online app, such as the Probation Policy, Probation Review Form and Probation Review Checklist.