Master Your Job Training and Secure Regular Employment: A Beginner’s Guide

Starting a new job can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether fresh out of school or transitioning into a new career, passing your job training and earning that coveted regular employment status is a crucial milestone. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to succeed during your probationary period and beyond.

What is Job Training and Probationary Employment?

When you first join an organization, you must undergo on-the-job training (OJT) and a probationary period lasting up to six months per Philippine labor standards. This period allows the company to evaluate your fit for the role and allows you to adapt to the organization’s policies, processes, and culture.

The training phase isn't just about proving your worth to the company; it's also about deciding whether the company aligns with your personal and professional goals.

The Importance of Onboarding

Your journey begins with the onboarding program. This initial training session is designed to familiarize you with the company's:

• Vision and mission
• Organizational structure
• Policies and procedures
• Job-specific responsibilities

Pay close attention during this phase. It’s your chance to understand the company’s culture, build relationships with colleagues, and explore potential career paths within the organization.

Tip: Embrace a "learning mode" mindset. Avoid thinking about leaving the company prematurely—this limits your potential to grow and learn. Focus on making the most of the experience.

Be Teachable and Eager to Learn

During training, your attitude matters as much as your skills. Here's how to make a great impression:

1. Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to seek clarification or ask for guidance. It shows your eagerness to learn.
2. Be Humble. Accept feedback graciously and implement it promptly. Trainers are more willing to help those who genuinely desire improvement.
3. Adapt and Relearn: Open to unlearning old habits and adopting the company’s established practices.

Think of yourself as a sponge—soak up as much knowledge as possible. Even if you’ve heard certain principles before, there’s always a fresh perspective to discover.

Set Clear Expectations

Discuss your supervisor’s expectations and performance criteria early in your training. Knowing what’s expected helps you focus on achieving your goals.

Pro Tip: Don’t fear making mistakes. They are a natural part of learning. What matters is how you analyze your errors, seek improvement, and avoid repeating them.

The Power of Communication

The most important skill during your probationary period is communication. Strong communication builds trust and ensures alignment with your team. Keep these tips in mind:

• Be proactive: Share updates about your progress and ask for feedback regularly.
• Clarify instructions: Ensure you understand your tasks before diving in.
• Foster relationships: Build rapport with colleagues and supervisors.

Success during your training and probationary period boils down to being open to learning, understanding expectations, and maintaining clear communication. Approach this phase as an opportunity to grow and build the foundation for a successful career.

Remember, every step you take now shapes your professional journey. You’ve got this!

Ready to shine in your new role? Share this article with friends starting their careers, and let’s help them succeed, too!

How HR is Evolving in the Philippines

 

I am still working on Chapter 1 of my book, and this article discusses HR Trends in the Philippines. As promised, I will share some excerpts, and I hope to hear your insights on this subject. Please feel free to send me your comments in the comment section.

The pandemic has undoubtedly reshaped the world of work, and HR in the Philippines and Southeast Asia is no exception. As organizations grapple with shifting employee expectations, technological advancements, and new workplace norms, HR's role has become more dynamic than ever.

In this blog, I’d like to share key insights drawn from recent reports and my own observations, highlighting some transformative trends shaping the HR landscape today:

Hybrid Work: The Future or a Passing Trend?

A recent HR Asia report reveals that 51% of companies in the Philippines have resumed on-site work, but 50.5% of HR professionals believe hybrid work is here to stay. It’s a clear sign that flexibility is no longer a perk—it’s becoming an expectation.

Personally, I’ve seen organizations thrive with hybrid setups, especially as employees prioritize work-life balance. But what about your company? Are you embracing flexibility, or do you think on-site work fosters better collaboration?

Talent Retention in the Gig Economy

Retention challenges are mounting as professionals explore freelance gigs and remote opportunities. The Darwinbox Blog highlights that growth opportunities and learning remain the top drivers for retention. I’ve observed this, too—upskilling is the new loyalty currency.

Is your organization investing enough in employee growth to retain talent, or are you seeing the gig economy disrupt your workforce?

Digital Transformation: A Game-Changer for HR

Automation is reshaping HR practices, from payroll to performance management. Tools like those highlighted in the Darwinbox Blog have made HR processes more efficient and freed up time for teams to focus on employee engagement.

I can attest to how these technologies simplify workflows. But I’d love to hear from you: has your organization embraced these tools, or are you still relying on manual processes?

Mental Health and Well-Being: No Longer Optional

As remote work blurs boundaries, burnout is on the rise. Companies are stepping up by introducing wellness programs and mental health leaves. But as the Darwinbox Blog notes, the challenge lies in ensuring these initiatives are accessible and practical.

How does your organization support employee well-being? Is it enough to address the growing demands of a fast-paced workplace?

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Beyond the Buzzword

DEI initiatives are gaining momentum across Southeast Asia, with organizations recognizing their value in fostering innovation and building inclusive cultures. For many, DEI isn’t just a compliance measure—it’s a strategic priority.

How does your workplace promote diversity and inclusion? Do you see it driving meaningful change?

Your Turn to Weigh In!

The HR landscape is evolving rapidly, and these trends are just the tip of the iceberg. I’m curious—how is your organization adapting? Are these trends reshaping your HR strategies, or do other challenges take center stage?

Let’s start a conversation! Share your thoughts in the comments below.