Absence and return-to-work discussions: security through decision-making authority

Introduction to the topic of absenteeism

• Relevance of absenteeism for companies and managers.
• Impact on work processes and teams.
• Absences due to illness vs. "motivational" absences. Are there "notorious slackers"?
• Duty of care vs. personal responsibility: the roles of managers and employees.
• Connection to health management and "healthy leadership."

Core instrument: absence interview

• Absence management as a basis for discussions.
• Preparation: Analyze absences and define discussion goals.
• Structure and procedure of a professional absence interview.
• Target agreements, documentation, and action planning.
• Mastering difficult conversations: Dealing with resistance and emotional reactions.

Communication skills and motivation

• Conversation techniques: active listening, appreciative communication.
• Workplace atmosphere and managers as motivational factors.
• Limits of motivation: realistic expectations and consequences.

Consequences of persistent absenteeism

• Basic information on warnings, cautions and termination.