Return to work interview technique
The return to work interview is a specialised interview format designed to:
- Understand the causes of the work absence.
- Identify and prevent a future problem developing.
- Ensure that the absence was justified.
- Identify any pattern of absence, which may indicate the person is dishonestly using the system (The person goes” sick “on Fridays/ Mondays and the day after each Bank holiday.)
Let us look at this in three sections
- Before the interview.
- During the interview.
- After the interview.
Before the interview
- Get the facts
- Set the scene
- Prepare yourself
During the interview
- State the facts
- Ask for confirmation and agreement of the facts
- Search for patterns
- State the pattern as a set of facts
- Ask for explanations for any perceivable pattern. For example: The person often goes” sick” on Fridays.
- Ask “Probing questions”
- Listen to the reply. Listen for:
- Contradictions
- Evasions
- Emotional outburst
- Good explanations (reasons)
- Poor explanations (excuses)
- Revelations of new information (divorce/health problems
- Watch for body language changes
Flushing
Shifting
Aggressive posture
Burst into tears
- Do not make accusations without a strong body of evidence.
- During the return to work interview: Record the questions and answers in writing.
After the return to work interview
Make immediate written supplementary notes.
Inform if necessary your manager or HR department.
Take action according to: -
1. The facts.
2. Company policy.
3. The law.
Then ponder your interview technique and learn more lessons by the experience you have gained.
ROLE PLAY scenarios
- Preparation
- Practice
- Feedback
- Learn.
Return to work interview techniques - summary and action plan
Please call The Corporate Coach Training Group today on 01452 856091
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