Managing Absence Return to work Interview)

Conducting a Return to Work Interview 

Return-to-work interviews have been shown to be one of the most effective interventions in facilitating reliable employee attendance. They demonstrate to employees that the employer notices their absences, thus discouraging casual absence, whilst at the same time giving managers an opportunity to identify the possible underlying causes of an employee’s frequent non-attendance at an early stage.

Conduct the Return to Work on day one of the return if possible.

The process (click on image to make bigger)

In your opinion, is the employee fit enough to carry out their role safely?

If the employee is unfit, ask them to return home and contact your local SHEQ or the HR Team for further advice. If the employee is sent home, ask them to update Medigold.

Have you received an email from Medigold confirming the employees return to work?

If yes, following the scripted questions and complete the return to work.

If no, it indicates that the absence is still open on Medigold. Ask the employee to contact Medigold to confirm their return to work and investigate the reasons why the employee failed to follow the correct absence reporting procedure. If deemed appropriate, consider disciplinary action for failure to follow the procedure.

Check that the details on the return to work notification are correct, i.e. start and end date of absence and shift patterns.

If they are not correct, amend the employee details on the return to work form before saving.

Identify and address the reason for absence and if it may be work related.

Establish the full reasons for absence and consider if anything needs exploring further. Contact the HR Team if you require any support.

Discuss if any workplace adjustments are necessary, short or long term.

Discuss hours of work, type of duties etc… Conduct risk assessment if appropriate and/or consider if OH referral is needed. Contact local SHEQ or the HR Team for further advice.

Has the employee hit a trigger?

Confirm what trigger has been hit and take relevant action. Refer to guide Absence Triggers.