North Macedonian employers use professional recruitment strategies to hire employees, including rigorous selection processes, interviews, and background checks. But even with thorough employment measures in place, it doesn’t mean that the best possible candidate will be chosen for the job. 

To help employers select and place talented employees, the probation period is incorporated. While not mandatory in North Macedonia, the probation period is an efficient and cost-effective strategy helping employers and employees assess the employment arrangement. Employers use probation to identify qualified workers before offering a permanent employment contract, whereas employees can determine whether they are satisfied with the work environment and culture. 

Uncover the employer and employee benefits of the probation period in North Macedonia and why it has become crucial in hiring and recruitment across all industries.

Definition of a Probation Period in North Macedonia

In North Macedonia, the probation period is defined as the timeframe within which an employer evaluates the skills and performance of an employee. It is considered an employment trial period, as the employee’s behavior, attitude, and qualifications determine whether they secure their position with the company. During this stage, an employer assesses the individual’s ability to work within a team and adapt to the corporate culture. 

The probation period is not only beneficial for employers but also for employees. The process allows new workers to adjust to the workplace, meet their colleagues, and develop their skills. 

The employee’s first day of employment marks the start of the probation period in North Macedonia. Employers who are impressed by the new hires can secure the employment contract, or extend it, but only under specific circumstances. 

When hiring employees in North Macedonia, the probation period is one of the safest and most effective means of examining employee skills and values, helping you find the right fit of employee for the job.

Lengths of Probationary Periods in North Macedonia

The probationary period in North Macedonia is generally six months. It is not mandatory; however, employers in the Southeastern European country adopt probation to refine their search when hiring new employees. While some employers provide a four-month trial, others use the maximum six-month probation period. The terms and conditions for probation must be included in the employment contract.

Permanent or Indefinite Contracts

The probation period in North Macedonia is not dependent on the type of employment contract. A permanent or indefinite contract includes a maximum probation period of six months. The specific timeframe for probation depends on negotiations with the employer and collective bargaining with trade unions.

Fixed-Term or Definite Contracts

Fixed-term or definite contracts do not influence the probation term in North Macedonia. Fixed-term contract workers are usually offered shorter probation periods than the standard six months. Employees who are absent due to illness or injury while on probation can be granted an extension equivalent to their time off.

Legal Considerations of Probation Periods in North Macedonia

The North Macedonia, the probation period is governed by the Law on Labor Relations. In instances where employees have the option of representation through a trade union, the probation period is discussed through collective bargaining. 

As per the Law on Labor Relations, the probation period cannot surpass six months. Seasonal workers are subject to a probation period of only three days. North Macedonian employees on probation are eligible to receive the same employee benefits as permanent or full-time staff.

Furthermore, probationary workers are protected by the minimum wage law and anti-discrimination laws and must receive paid leave and sick leave. Every North Macedonian probationary employee who has completed one month of service with the same employer must receive notice if their contract is to be terminated.

Pay and Working Conditions

Employees in North Macedonia are not treated differently from their fully employed co-workers. In fact, they receive the same pay grades and safe working conditions as long-term and contracted staff. 

Probationary employees must receive salaries at or above the minimum wage of MKD 24,379 in North Macedonia, approximately $430 per month. Most employers offer well above the minimum wage to attract highly skilled workers and improve employee satisfaction and retention rates. 

Employees work for 40 hours over a five-day week. Overtime is calculated at eight hours per week and no more than 190 hours per year. Overtime pay is issued at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate. For those working on Sundays or public holidays, higher rates are paid. 

The mandatory benefits that probationary employees are entitled to include maternity and paternity leave, unpaid leave, and social security.

Termination and Notice

If an employer is dissatisfied with the performance of the employee on probation, they can terminate the employment contract. Employees who have completed one month of service receive one week’s written notice, whereas seasonal workers receive 3 days’ notice. The terms for termination and notice periods must be included in the employment contract. 

North Macedonian employees also have the right to terminate the employment agreement during their probation, but must provide notice to the employer seven days before leaving their job.

Vacation / Holidays

The standard annual leave in North Macedonia is 20 days, but this period can be extended to 26 days upon negotiation through collective agreements or discussions with the employer. 

Employees on probation will accrue their vacation time from their first day of employment. The rate of accrual is 1.66 days of paid leave per month. Only once employees have accumulated a few days of leave can they take time off. 

In terms of public holidays, probationary employees receive the same paid public holidays as full-time workers. These include Independence Day, Orthodox Easter Day, Saints Cyril and Methodius Day, and International Romani Day.

Benefits of Probation Periods in North Macedonia

Employees and employers in North Macedonia benefit from the probation period because it provides both parties with the opportunity to assess and explore the employment arrangement before making a long-term and legal commitment.

  • For Employees

Employees can overcome their initial nerves with time to adjust and showcase their skills in the workplace.

North Macedonian employees can end the probation period at will as long as they give notice to the employer.

Employees can use the probation period to determine whether they are a good fit for the organization, its values, and ways of doing business.

Employees are entitled to the same benefits, such as annual leave and pensions, as full-time employees.

  • For Employers

Employers can mitigate risk by assessing the employee’s skills and qualifications before entering into long-term employment.

Terminating the contract of employees on probation is efficient and straightforward, requiring one week’s notice.

Employers can introduce new hires to co-workers and the organizational culture, making the transition easier.

If an employee underperforms, the employer can end the contract without the costs of severance pay and additional benefits.