Probation Period Training Slides
Workplace Training Series
Digital • Zero-Print Training
Day 1 to Day 30 Guide
What Is a 30-Day Probationary Period?
Understanding your first month on the job, workplace expectations, pay, and rights.
60 Minutes Interactive
Group Discussion & Role-Play
100% Screen & Gesture Based
Activity 1: Starting Your New Job 10 Minutes
Great News!
"Congratulations! You just got hired!"
Your supervisor says: "Your first 30 days here will be a probationary period."
Think & Share:
What does the word "probation" make you think of?
Does it mean you did something wrong?
Do you get paid during this time?
Anyone can speak up, raise a hand, touch the screen, or use hand signals!
Workplace Definition Core Concept
What Is a Probationary Period?
It is an introductory period where you and your employer learn about working together.
What the Boss Looks For
- Are you on time every day?
- Do you follow safety rules?
- Are you willing to learn?
What You Decide
- Do you enjoy the job duties?
- Do you feel safe and respected?
- Is the schedule manageable?
Remember: You are not in trouble! Probation is normal for almost every new employee.
Activity 2: Key Workplace Habits 10 Minutes
What Employers Look For in 30 Days
These 6 habits make a great impression on your supervisor and coworkers:
Arrive On Time
Show up ready to work 5-10 minutes before your shift starts.
Ask Questions
Asking questions shows you care about doing the job correctly.
Follow Steps
Listen carefully and follow workplace safety instructions.
Communicate
Tell your manager right away if you are sick or running late.
Teamwork
Treat coworkers, customers, and bosses with calm respect.
Accept Feedback
When someone corrects your work, say "Thank you, I'll try that!"
Group Question: Which of these 6 habits do you feel most confident about?
Video Watch & Learn Classroom Reflection
Embedded media
Workplace Expectations Video Press play to begin
Watch For:
What did the worker do when they were unsure what to do next?
Discuss:
How did their voice and facial expression look when getting advice?
Takeaway:
Mistakes happen to everyone. What matters is learning from them.
Next: We enter the 30-Day Workplace Simulator to practice real situations!
Activity 3: Interactive Simulation 15 Minutes
Your First 30 Days at Work: The Journey
We will travel through 5 real moments from your first month. You decide what to do!
DAY 1 New Tasks
DAY 7 Running Late
DAY 14 Feedback
DAY 21 Coworkers
DAY 30 Review
Zero-Print Voting: Touch the screen, raise 1, 2, or 3 fingers, or speak aloud!
How We Vote (No Paper Needed!) Classroom Signals
Show Your Answer with Hand Gestures:
You can also touch the board or say your choice out loud:
☝️
Hold Up 1 Finger
Votes for Option A
✌️
Hold Up 2 Fingers
Votes for Option B
🤟
Hold Up 3 Fingers
Votes for Option C
Everyone participates! Pointing at the screen or nodding works too.
Simulation: Day 1 Grocery / Retail Store
The Situation:
Your manager quickly explains how to restock shelves and walks away. You did not understand all the steps.
☝️ Option A
Guess what to do and hope you do it right.
Risk: Mistakes pile up
✌️ Option B (Best)
Find your supervisor and say:
"Could you show me one more time?"
Shows you care!
🤟 Option C
Wait quietly by the shelf until someone notices you.
Time is lost
Let's Role-Play: Turn to your neighbor or instructor and practice asking: "Can you show me once more?"
Simulation: Day 7 Transportation Delay
The Situation:
Your bus or ride is stuck in heavy traffic. Your shift starts in 15 minutes, but you will be 20 minutes late.
What NOT To Do:
Show up late without saying anything, or wait until you arrive to explain why you were late.
What Superstars Do:
Call or text your supervisor immediately:
"Hi, my bus is delayed. I will arrive around 9:20. I'm sorry for the delay!"
Key Rule: Employers understand accidents happen. They get upset when you don't communicate!
Simulation: Middle of Month Days 14 & 21
Day 14: Receiving Feedback
Supervisor Corrects You
Your boss says: "You missed cleaning two tables over here. Let me show you our checklist."
Best Response:
"Thanks for letting me know. I'll clean them right now!"
Day 21: Working with Coworkers
Coworker Needs Help
A coworker asks you to help them carry boxes while you are in the middle of your own urgent assignment.
Best Response:
"Let me finish this task first, then I can help you, or we can ask our manager!"
Feedback is not an insult. Feedback is training to help you keep your job!
Workplace Dialogue Board On-Screen Role-Play Phrases
Practice Saying or Pointing to These Phrases:
Choose the phrase that fits your situation:
When You Need Help:
"Excuse me, could you demonstrate that one more time?"
When You Are Running Late:
"Hi, my transportation is delayed. I will arrive around [Time]."
When Receiving Feedback:
"Thank you for letting me know. I'll correct that right now."
When Coworkers Ask for Help:
"Let me finish this tray first, then I can assist you!"
Participants can point to any box on screen to practice their answer!
Simulation: Day 30 Milestone Review Meeting
The Meeting
Your supervisor invites you into the office to discuss your first month.
"You made it through your first 30 days! Let's talk about your progress."
Questions YOU Can Ask in Your Review:
1. "What am I doing well so far?"
2. "Is there anything I should practice or improve?"
3. "Would it be okay if I keep using my checklist?"
4. "Who should I ask about my benefits or next steps?"
Reviews are conversations! You have the right to ask questions and share what helps you work best.
Activity 4: Pay & Benefits 10 Minutes
Rule #1: You Must Be Paid for Your Work!
A probationary period is NOT free or unpaid volunteer work.
Full Hourly Pay
You earn your agreed hourly wage for every single hour you work during probation.
Paid Training Time
If your employer requires you to watch videos or take training classes, you must be paid for that time.
Pay Stubs
You receive a regular paycheck or direct deposit with a pay stub showing hours and taxes deducted.
Never work "off the clock." Clock in when you start and clock out when you finish!
Employee Benefits Truths Important Facts
Do Benefits Start on Day 31?
Not always! Benefits have their own waiting rules separate from probation.
Health Insurance
Some jobs offer it, but coverage often starts after 60 or 90 days, or on the 1st of the next month.
Paid Time Off (PTO)
You usually need to earn or "accrue" vacation and sick hours over several months before taking paid time off.
Holiday Pay
Some workplaces pay extra for working holidays like Thanksgiving, but policies vary by company.
Retirement (401k)
Savings plans for the future. Many companies allow sign-up after 30, 60, or 90 days.
Ask Human Resources (HR): "When am I eligible for benefits, and what forms do I need to fill out?"
Activity 5: You Be the Boss! 10 Minutes
Would You Keep This Employee?
Vote with Hand Signals: 👍 Keep, ✋ Coach & Train, or 👎 Needs Change
Scenario 1: Marcus Dining Hall Worker
Marcus arrives 10 minutes early every day, wears his clean uniform, follows safety rules, and asks his manager whenever he isn't sure how to clean a machine.
What is your decision? Why?
Scenario 2: Sarah Retail Cashier
Sarah has been 25 minutes late 4 times in her first two weeks. She did not call or text her manager beforehand. When asked, she says her alarm didn't ring.
What should the boss do?
Show thumbs up 👍 for Keep, open palm ✋ for Coach, or thumbs down 👎 for Change!
Support & Accommodations Scenarios 3, 4 & 5
James (Stocking)
James struggles to remember 5 verbal steps. But when his boss gives him a written checklist with pictures, he completes 100% of his tasks accurately.
Decision: Keep! A checklist is a reasonable accommodation!
Ashley (Laundry)
Ashley gets quiet and looks upset when her supervisor points out folded towels that need fixing. But she takes a deep breath, practices, and fixes them.
Decision: Coach & Praise! Managing feelings takes practice.
David (Janitorial)
David completed 30 days. He cleans floors well, but still needs extra guidance on the recycling compactors.
Decision: Extra Training! Needing more time is normal.
Needing support or a job coach does NOT make someone a bad worker!
Activity 6: Action Plan 5 Minutes
My First 30 Days Success Plan
Pick 1 or 2 skills you want to focus on most at your next job:
Arriving on time every single day
Asking questions when I don't understand
Saying "Thank you" when given feedback
Using a checklist or job aids
Share with the group: Touch or point to the box you picked!
Final Wrap-Up Classroom Debrief
You Are Ready to Succeed!
"What is one thing you learned today that could help you succeed at a new job?"
Takeaway 1
Probation is a normal trial period, not punishment.
Takeaway 2
You must be paid for every hour of work and training.
Takeaway 3
Asking questions and communicating shows responsibility.
Employment Readiness Training Great job participating today!
First Month Facilitator Guide
Adult Employment Readiness Series
First Month Facilitator Guide
Lesson: What Is a 30-Day Probationary Period?
Zero-Print Manual
60 Minutes • Adults 18+ (IDD)
Group Size 4 – 15 Adults
Printing Needed None (100% Zero-Print)
Interaction Mode Screen Pointing & Gestures
Media Display Smartboard / Laptop
Adult Instruction Core Principles (Zero-Print Format)
- • Workplace Tone: Treat participants as colleagues in training, not schoolchildren.
- • Gesture Voting: Use hand gestures (1/2/3 fingers, thumbs up/down) or touch the screen.
- • Normalize Mistakes: Frame probation as a natural learning period, never a punishment.
- • Realistic Roles: Focus on real jobs (grocery, retail, food service, cleaning, office).
60-Minute Lesson Schedule
Act. 1 (10m) What is Probation?
Act. 2 (10m) Employer Habits
Act. 3 (15m) 30-Day Sim
Act. 4 (10m) Pay & Benefits
Act. 5 (10m) Keep Me? Lab
Act. 6 (5m) Success Plan
Activity 1: Congratulations! You're Hired! (10 Min) Slides 1 – 3
Facilitator Hook Script:
"Imagine this: you applied for a job at a department store or grocery market, you interviewed, and today they called to say, 'You're hired!' But then the boss says your first 30 days will be a 'probationary period.' Raise your hand if that word sounds a little scary or serious. Today we are learning why you are NOT in trouble!"
Key Discussion Prompts:
- "What does probation mean in everyday life vs. at work?"
- "Does probation mean you did something wrong? (No!)"
- "What do you think the boss is watching for?"
Core Learning Anchor:
Probation is an introductory test drive. The employer checks if you are dependable and safe; you check if you like the job and feel respected.
First Month Facilitator Guide • Zero-Print Digital Delivery Page 1 of 4
Section 2: Habits & Simulation
Activities 2 & 3 Facilitation
25 Minutes Total
Activity 2: What Employers Look For (10 Min) Slides 4 – 5
Introduce the 6 workplace pillars: On-Time Attendance, Asking Questions, Following Instructions, Direct Communication, Teamwork & Respect, and Accepting Constructive Feedback.
Trainer Video Instructions:
Slide 5 features the embedded workplace training video. Press play directly on the slide. Pause at key decision points and ask:
Check Question 1: "Did the worker make a defensive face, or did they listen calmly?"
Check Question 2: "What is the polite phrase to say when corrected? ('Thank you, I'll fix that!')"
Activity 3: 30-Day Workplace Simulation (15 Min) Slides 6 – 12
Guide the room through 5 sequential workplace milestones. Invite participants to role-play or vote using hand gestures: 1 finger (A), 2 fingers (B), or 3 fingers (C).
Day 1: Unclear Instructions
Scenario: Boss gives quick task and walks away.
Coach Prompt: "Have a volunteer practice approaching you and saying: 'Excuse me, could you demonstrate that one more time?' Praise their assertiveness!"
Day 7: Bus Delay / Running Late
Scenario: Bus stuck in traffic, 20 mins late.
Coach Prompt: "Role-play calling the manager. Teach the formula: Who you are + Why you're late + When you will arrive."
Day 14: Receiving Feedback
Scenario: Supervisor points out missed cleaning spots.
Coach Prompt: Emphasize deep breathing. Feedback means the employer wants you to succeed, not that you failed.
Day 21: Coworker Distraction
Scenario: Peer asks for help while you are busy.
Coach Prompt: Practice polite boundaries: "Let me finish this tray first, then I'll help, or check with our supervisor."
Day 30: The Review Meeting Milestone Empowerment & Self-Advocacy
Teach participants that a performance review is a two-way street! Model asking: "What am I doing well?", "What can I practice?", and "May I continue using my visual checklist?"
First Month Facilitator Guide • Zero-Print Digital Delivery Page 2 of 4
Section 3: Rights, Benefits & Scenarios
Activities 4 & 5 Facilitation
20 Minutes Total
Activity 4: Paychecks & Benefits Truths (10 Min) Slides 13 – 14
Pay Rights (Non-Negotiable)
- • Paid for Every Hour: Probation is fully paid work.
- • Paid Training: Mandatory video watching or orientation must be compensated.
- • No Unpaid Overtime: Never work "off the clock."
Benefits Waiting Periods
- • Health Insurance: Often requires 60 to 90 days of employment.
- • Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrues slowly over time.
- • Day 31 Myth: Finishing probation does not mean benefits automatically begin tomorrow.
HR Inquiries Script (For Participants):
"Teach participants to ask HR: 'Could you give me the benefits packet, and what date will I be eligible to enroll?'"
Activity 5: "Would You Keep Me?" Decision Lab (10 Min) Slides 15 – 16
Present 5 employee scenarios. Let participants vote with hand signals: Thumbs Up 👍 (Keep), Open Palm ✋ (Coach/Support), or Thumbs Down 👎 (Needs Major Change).
Scenario 1: Marcus (On time, asks questions)
Outcome: Keep! Model behavior. Reliable and eager to learn.
KEEP (👍)
Scenario 2: Sarah (Late 4 times without calling)
Outcome: Needs Major Change. Unexcused tardiness threatens job retention.
CHANGE (👎)
Scenario 3: James (Memory difficulty, excels with checklist)
Outcome: Keep with Accommodation! Checklists are standard job aids.
AID (✋)
Scenario 4: Ashley (Upset when corrected, but practices)
Outcome: Coach & Praise! Shows emotional regulation growth.
COACH (✋)
Scenario 5: David (Passes 30 days, still needs compactor help)
Outcome: Extra Training! Targeted job coaching solves machine safety.
TRAIN (✋)
First Month Facilitator Guide • Zero-Print Digital Delivery Page 3 of 4
Section 4: Wrap-Up & Assessment
Action Plan & Observation Rubric
Activity 6 & Evaluation
Activity 6: 30-Day Success Plan (5 Min) Slides 17 – 18
Ask each participant to pick 1 or 2 focus skills. They can state their choice verbally or point directly to the on-screen choice board:
On-Time Arrival
Asking Questions
Calling if Late
Accepting Feedback
Observational Assessment Rubric (No Written Test)
| Skill / Objective |
Demonstrated Through |
Mastery Indicator |
| 1. Understands Probation |
Group discussion (Act. 1) |
Explains it is a normal trial period, not trouble. |
| 2. Problem-Solving on the Job |
Days 1 & 7 Simulation (Act. 3) |
Identifies calling boss when late or asking when confused. |
| 3. Pay & Benefits Awareness |
Discussion & Q&A (Act. 4) |
States that probation is paid & benefits take time. |
| 4. Distinguishes Needs from Neglect |
Would You Keep Me? (Act. 5) |
Recognizes accommodations (checklists) support success. |
Zero-Print Accessibility Cheat Sheet:
Non-Verbal Learners: Point to on-screen options (A/B/C) or show hand gestures.
Sensory Processing: Allow quiet movement; practice standing role-plays.
Processing Time: Wait 5-7 seconds after asking questions before re-prompting.
First Month Facilitator Guide • Zero-Print Digital Delivery Page 4 of 4
Job Success Reference Guide
Workplace Survival & Success Tools
Digital Job Success Reference Guide
Save to your smartphone, tablet, or email (100% Zero-Print)
Digital Guide
Screen & Phone Ready
What is a 30-Day Probationary Period?
It is a standard introductory test drive for almost all new workers. You are NOT in trouble! Your employer observes your reliability, and you decide if you like the job.
6 Golden Habits for Your First Month
1. Arrive 5-10 Mins Early
Clock in on time ready to work in your clean uniform.
2. Ask Questions Freely
Never guess! Asking questions shows you care about accuracy.
3. Use Job Checklists
Follow instructions step-by-step and follow all safety rules.
4. Call If Running Late
Text or call your boss as soon as your ride is delayed.
5. Respect Coworkers
Say hello, be patient, and treat customers with kindness.
6. Say Thank You for Feedback
When corrected, say: "Thank you, I'll fix that right now."
Emergency Call-In Script (Save on Your Phone)
"Hi [Manager's Name], this is [Your Name]. My bus/ride is running late. I expect to arrive at [Time]. I apologize for the delay and I will get right to work as soon as I arrive!"
Digital Job Success Reference Guide • Zero-Print Resource Page 1 of 2
Know Your Rights & Plan Ahead
Paychecks, Benefits & Review Questions
Important facts every employee has the right to know
Work Rights
HR & Pay Basics
Your Paycheck Rights
- ✓ Paid for All Hours: Probation is fully paid work at your agreed hourly wage.
- ✓ Paid Training: Orientation and video training hours must be paid.
- ✓ Clock In / Out: Always track your time accurately on the timeclock.
Employee Benefits Truths
- • Waiting Periods: Health insurance often begins after 60 or 90 days.
- • Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrues gradually as you work more hours.
- • Ask HR: Always ask Human Resources for benefit enrollment forms.
4 Great Questions to Ask Your Boss or HR
1 "What are the most important tasks I should focus on during my first month?"
2 "May I keep a small written checklist or visual guide at my work station?"
3 "When am I eligible to enroll in company health insurance or retirement plans?"
4 "At our 30-day review: What am I doing well, and what is one skill I can improve?"
My 30-Day Success Focus (Tap or Choose Your Top Goal)
Arriving On Time Every Shift
Asking When I'm Confused
Accepting Helpful Feedback
Digital Job Success Reference Guide • Zero-Print Resource Page 2 of 2
