63.6% of employers polled in a recent IRS study (August 2007) found a decrease in absence rates was found by using a very simple tool.

Using a return to work interview is hugely effective – the end result is a decrease in those one-off absences but also helps in the accurate recording of absence, highlighting work-related issues and above all ensuring that the employee is fit and able to return to work.

It is important to have a structure to the meeting; it should be treated with care and attention. A form to complete is helpful to a manager in controlling what questions should be asked and you can also have a set of guidance notes which support the manager in the process.

7 out of 10 employers in the study find that keeping accurate records of absence is a problem – so details of the absence, number of days and reasons or whether the correct documents have been completed are standard.

Inclusion of identifying any adjustments to enable a full return to work is also very effective.  These interviews can help any organisation improve their work environment by determining work related causes of absence.

Ideally, complete on the day they come back to work, or before a return, if it is longer term absence and you should conduct them for every absence – this promotes fairness and consistency for the organisation.

One of the main barriers to conducting the interviews is…     Management!

Time is always at a premium in any business; however it is critical to educate managers on the value of sitting down - for only 15 minutes in most cases – to find out reasons for absence, get the right information from the employee and thwart further occurrences wherever it is possible.