How do I Set a Probation Period automation?

The Probation Period automation allows Admins and Approvers to set a period during which newly hired employees cannot request leave. This automation helps ensure that new hires remain focused on onboarding and team integration.

|| The Probation Period can be set by an Approver or Admin. Please note that an Admin must purchase the automation first before an Approver can set their Probation Period policy.

Let’s begin!

1.  Log in to the vacation tracker account using app.vacationtracker.io/signin 
2. On the left-hand side click on Workspace Settings > Automations.
3. Click on “Probation Period”. You'll need to ensure that it is activated before you start using it. 

If you haven't subscribed to the Probation Period Automation yet, go to Discover more automations and select Probation Period there.

4. Define your Probation Period Policy.

• Policy Name: Enter a name for your probation policy (e.g., "Onboarding Leave Restriction").
• Length (days): Specify how long the probation period should last (in days). This period will be calculated from each employee’s start date.
• Auto-Reject Response: Customize the automatic message employees will receive when their leave request is denied due to the probation period (e.g., "Your leave request has been denied because you are currently in your probation period. This policy helps ensure a smooth onboarding process.")

5. Apply the Policy.

• Apply to All Users?: Choose whether this policy should apply to all users or only specific Locations, Departments, or Labels.If you select No, additional filter options will appear:
• Locations: Select one or more Locations.
• Departments: Select one or more Departments.
• Labels: Select specific user labels (if applicable).
• Leave Types: Choose which leave types this policy will apply to (e.g., Paid Time Off, Sick Leave).For example, if requesting Vacation days is not allowed during the probation period, but the employees can take Sick Leaves, you would remove the Sick Leave from this list in order to allow them to request those leaves.

6. Click on Create Policy.

You can create multiple probation period policies for different employee groups or roles.

To review or manage previously created Probation Period policies, go to Automations and select Probation Period.

|| Note: The Probation Period Automation is designed to prevent employees from requesting leave during their probation period. However, Admins and Approvers can manually add leaves for these employees if necessary.

| For more details on other Automations we offer, check out our guide: Guide: What Automations does Vacation Tracker offer?