Yes, a probationary period can be extended to a total maximum length of 2,080 hours (one year of full-time service). Probationary periods that are already established at 2,080 or 3,120 hours (18 months of full-time service) for the classification cannot be extended.

If a probationary employee is exhibiting conduct problems (e.g., discourtesy, has numerous unscheduled absences including tardies, misuses the Internet,) the recommendation is usually probationary rejection rather than extending the probationary period. Extending a probationary employee’s probationary period is more appropriate when there are performance-related concerns that may be overcome with a longer period of training and observation by the supervisor to assess the employee’s performance.

In order to extend a probationary period, the department head or designee requests concurrence for such an extension from the Human Resources Director. The request should contain a basis for the extension.

Ideally, the Human Resources Director should receive these written requests at least two pay periods prior to the end of the employee’s probationary period. Please be aware that you cannot extend the probationary period once the employee has worked the requisite hours for his/her specific classification.

The requests may be sent via fax to (650) 363-4822, sent as a scanned e-mail, or mailed to Pony HRD-121, depending on time urgency.

See Sample Probationary Extension Request Letter #1

See Sample Probationary Extension Request Letter #2

Following receipt of a request for extension, Employee & Labor Relations will write a letter to the employee (with a copy to the supervisor and manager) confirming the extension. Before the employee receives this letter, the supervisor is expected to personally advise the employee that his/her probationary period is being extended. The letter from Employee & Labor Relations should not be a surprise to the employee.