What it Means to Receive a Warning or be placed on Watch
When an individual receives a warning or is placed on watch or probation, oftentimes it means that they need to watch their step, and that they are coming very close to being terminated from their place of employment. Though there can be numerous reasons for an employer to place an employee on probation, it only requires one inappropriate violation of company policy for the employer to take action against the employee and give them puritanical notice that their job is in jeopardy.
One common, rational motive for placing an employee on probation is that of failure to comply with the company's attendance policy. A company's success is dependent upon its employees showing up to work consistently, as they are scheduled. If production suffers due to absent employees, profits and company success also suffer. Companies rely on employees to be at work on time, and when scheduled, and if you do not abide by the specified terms, you are placing your employment in danger.
How was your work performance? Were you consistently told to get back to work, or that you were not as productive as you should be or are required to be? Did you give your job 100 percent, or were you just there for a free ride? Most companies cannot afford to pay someone who is not a productive employee, as it costs more money to keep you there than you are making for the company. If you fail to be a productive team member for the company, placing you on probation is telling you to shape up or ship out. Most companies cannot afford to pay you to stand around.
Consistently getting injured on the job or failing to comply with safety regulations is a major cause for termination, and you are extremely lucky if you simply get a warning. Do you think a company should put itself and the safety of others at risk just to make sure that you have a job? When an individual consistently gets injured on the job, they become a liability to the company, which raises the cost of their insurance and increases their chances of getting sued.
These are the most common reasons behind placing an employee on probation, giving them a warning or being placed on watch. In many cases, company officials wait until they are at their last straw before giving their employees a dissuasive sign, and they are usually very close to firing the individual. If you value your employment and you are placed on probation, it is high time you start living up to the company's expectations.
