Internship or trial period

Anyone offering the opportunity to get a taste of a profession should be aware of the problems that this otherwise worthwhile initiative can entail. If participants in the program become too deeply involved in work processes, they may be able to sue for wages.

There are many good reasons to offer trial days. Both sides can get a realistic picture of each other. In addition, it offers job seekers the chance to get to know the company’s employees and work processes. However, the scope of work must not go beyond a mere introduction. The correct legal term for the relationship between applicant and employer is “trial period.” During this time, the trial participant should merely be given an insight into the company.

What Makes a Trial Period Risky

Fixed working hours or an excessively long duration run counter to the idea of a simple familiarization with the company. A trial period lasting from one day to one week is perfectly acceptable. However, if it extends to four weeks, it generally constitutes an internship that must be compensated. The number of hours is also crucial. For a trial participant, a few hours of “getting a feel for the company” per day are sufficient to gain insight.
Conclusion: Anyone wishing to arrange a free trial period should clearly state this in a contract and adhere to the criteria mentioned.