The Manager's Toolkit

THE RETURN TO WORK INTERVIEW

Where required, emphasise the impact of the absence on the business/their team and discuss working arrangements. Address any problems that may be causing or contributing to the absence. The return to work interview is an opportunity provide support, advice and potentially agree an improvement plan , in order to improve attendance. It’s important to keep a track of the conversation through documented notes . The return to work interview makes the employee feel welcome and valued upon return. Make sure they are fit to be back at work and identify the reason for the absence. Discuss their state of health and find out if there is any underlying cause for the absence.

The interview can help identify short-term absence problems at an early stage . Prepare for the meeting in advance, have previous absence records with you. Review number of days absent, reasons for absence and if there is a pattern of absence . As employees we all have an obligation to fulfil our contractual requirements and our attendance is our responsibility , therefore it is important to follow the same process even if the employee has an excellent attendance record The threshold for entering an absence review process is; • Absence level greater than 4% over a 12 month rolling period OR • 4 unrelated occasions of absence in a 12 month rolling period

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RETURN TO WORK

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