Return to Work Interviews

Conducting effective return to work interviews to support employee wellbeing and manage absence

Course Overview

This course provides learners with an understanding of return to work interviews and their role in reducing absence, supporting employee wellbeing and identifying underlying issues. Learners will explore the structure and purpose of return to work meetings, questioning techniques, handling sensitive disclosures, adjustments, documentation and the link to formal absence management processes. The course is suitable for line managers and HR professionals.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the purpose and business case for return to work interviews
• Structure an effective and compassionate return to work meeting
• Use appropriate questioning techniques in return to work conversations
• Handle sensitive disclosures relating to mental health or personal circumstances
• Identify and implement reasonable adjustments for returning employees
• Document return to work interviews consistently and accurately
• Identify when to escalate to formal absence management

Course Structure (3 topics, 9 lessons)