Do

• Create a climate of trust by agreeing beforehand your methods, frequency and reasons for keeping in contact with absent employees;
• Consider training for your managers on a sensitive approach to help them get the most out of contact;
• Keep a note of contacts made;
• Be flexible, treat each case individually but on a fair and consistent basis;
• Welcome your employee back after their absence;
• Carry out return to work interviews
• Give your employees the opportunity to discuss, in private, concerns about their health or other matters that are affecting their performance or attendance;
• Remember that medication can have side effects on things like physical stamina, mood, machinery operation and safety critical tasks.