A probationary period is usually the initial period of employment for a newly hired individual. This is usually a “getting to know you” time for both the employee and the employer. However, there are also some exemptions to employment law in this area. While employees terminated during their probationary period can still file for wrongful discharge in some cases, most states exempt employers from the requirement to provide notice of termination to probationary workers. The duration of the probationary period varies from employer to employer and may last between three and six months, although contract workers may have shorter probationary periods.