When an employee has returned to work following a sickness absence you mat want to conduct a return to work interview. This is normally carried out by a line manager or HR manager as soon as the employee returns from sick leave, ideally on the first day back.
Research shows that a return to work interview is one of the most effective ways of managing attendance and reducing absence.
When carrying out a return to work interview we would recommend you cover the following points:
– Welcome employees back and ensure they are well enough to work.
– Update employees about any changes that have happened during their absence.
– Identify any workplace adjustments that may be needed.
– Develop or discuss the details of your return to work plan.
– Confirm that their absence record is correct.
– Offer them the opportunity to discuss any other issues that you/they may need help with.
– Reinforce the company sickness policy, where you can discourage unauthorised and non-genuine sickness absence.
When conducting the return to work interview we recommend that:
– These are always done face to face, although they don’t need to be overly formal.
– Make sure you listen to your employee.
– Show interest in what they say and take their concerns on board.
– Be objective – son’t be influenced by personal emotion or feelings.
– Ask open ended questions to encourage them to open up and talk.
– Try hard to make them feel comfortable and relaxed.
Here is some great advice from the HSE regards keeping in contact – www.hse.gov.uk/sicknessabsence/step2.html
If you would like support, advice or training on your organisations ‘back to work’ we would be happy to discuss your requirements here at Greening Consultants.