Probation in Malawi

Probation is the period of time that is given to an employee by an employer who has just been appointed, so as to test his or her fitness for the job.

It is important for employees to undergo this period because it gives the employer an insight into how an employee works, and whether they made the right employment decision.

This also gives an employee time to adjust to their work properly in order to bring out the best results.

Private and Civil Service

In Malawi a probation period is offered to both employees in the private sector and the civil service.

As an example of how it works: according to the Conditions of Service for one of the top private sector companies in Malawi, all employees on first appointment leading to a permanent established position, shall be subject to a probationary period of service of six months.

However, in some instances the probationary period may be extended, depending on the employee’s performance.

The extension to further monitor performance should not exceed three months and the employee is usually notified of the decision.

After the probationary period, the employee has to be assessed by a panel before finally being confirmed as a permanent employee or not.  There are some benefits which an employee may not be able to access while on probation - one of them is a loan.

The above is an example of how a probation period could work at a company.