Absence interviews make staff grow fonder?

Two out of three employers believe that return-to-work interviews have cut employee absence rates, according to a study by Employment Review. The survey shows that return-to-work interviews are highly regarded by companies of all types and sizes. Most thought the introduction of return-to-work interviews reduced staff absences. The technique also appears to work best for smaller employers, with 67% of organisations employing fewer than 250 people reporting a reduction in absences. We asked our poll of salon owners if they thought widespread use of return-to-work interviews would have a positive effect on the hairdressing industry. 75% believed that employee absence would be significantly reduced by return-to-work interviews, which would benefit both individual salons and the industry overall.

Consideration for colleagues

"We conduct return-to-work interviews and I believe that having to sit down and explain why there was a specific absence makes people consider whether their reason is truly valid and so makes people think twice about taking the absence in the first place. Genuine absence is never an issue and our team know that, but people taking advantage is not productive for anyone. I believe that in a smaller company, on the whole, people do not want to let their colleagues down. Having said that, tight control and the need to explain keep it to a minimum."

France Urwin, Frontlinestyle, Wells    

Increased admin

"I think it definitely helps to deter those members of staff who seem to continuously take sickies after late nights and drinking binges. Now they have to explain their absence, which makes them more self-conscious especially if it happens on more than one occasion and they know they are skiving! It does mean extra admin for salon managers but the amount that is gained in return by cutting down absenteeism definitely justifies it."

Joanna Hansford, Jo Hansford Salon, London

Pattern of behaviour

"As soon as we notice a pattern of sickness we will invite the employee for an informal chat. Often the reason for absence is actually other factors and sometimes we can help resolve these issues with the member of staff."

Seema Flower, ColourNation, Covent Garden

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