To do anything else would be unfair. You must also go through every stage of the WARM approach each time. In 80 per cent of cases, the interview will be simple and fast. Returning absentees will be unaware of the structure and will simply feel that their boss has supported them. This simple structure, used every time with every person, will have a dramatic effect in bearing down on absence.
Line managers form the front line in the battle against lost days at work.
You must involve them and get their commitment to confront the problem. In addition, your organisation must implement a proper absence monitoring and reporting system. The worst thing you can do with absence from the workplace is to ignore it. The above is an adaptation of the full article, which appeared in the January 2001 edition of Training Journal. From there, it gives guidance on conducting the interview, and the training implications of conducting the interviews.