Return to work interview template

Having an employee off sick can be tough on any business. But when they’re ready to come back, how do you make sure they’re fully supported and fit to dive back in?

Holding a return to work interview every time an employee returns, no matter how long they’ve been off, is a great way to discuss the reason behind their absence and prevent future issues. To make that a bit easier for you, we’ve put together a free return to work interview template to guide your conversations and keep your records straight.

In this FREE guide, you’ll learn:

• How to handle the return to work interview process and make it effective
• A ready-to-use return to work interview template
• The most important return to work interview questions to ask your team
• How to set clear expectations and treat employees fairly but firmly
• Tips for taking appropriate action if attendance standards aren’t met

Key highlights from the template

1. The right return to work interview questions

It’s important to ask the right questions to make sure you’re being supportive without prying. Our template includes the best return to work interview questions to help you figure out what caused the absence, whether they saw a GP, and what treatment they received.

2. A clear, easy-to-follow structure

A solid return to work interview should never feel like an interrogation. We’ve laid out the form so it flows naturally, giving you a straightforward way to see if they followed the correct absence reporting procedure. You should always document the conversation, and our form gives you the perfect place to do it.

3. Spotting patterns and supporting your people

Using a standard form every time someone comes back from sick leave helps you keep things fair and consistent. It also makes it much easier to spot if any patterns of absence emerge, so you can take appropriate action and offer the right support early on.

Why a return to work interview is so important

Holding a brief meeting after any period of absence shows your team you care about their wellbeing, while making sure you stay compliant. By making a return to work interview a standard part of your absence management process, you’ll:

• Help employees settle back in smoothly
• Make sure they’re genuinely well enough to be at work
• Identify if any workplace adjustments are needed, like lighter duties
• Reduce unplanned absences and make sure operations run smoothly

Take the headache out of HR with Citation

Managing sickness absence doesn’t have to be a struggle. At Citation, our HR experts are here to help you navigate everything from return-to-work interviews to managing absence policies. Plus, with our Atlas software, you get access to an online hub packed with templates, guides, and resources to streamline your processes.

Download your free return to work interview template

Ready to take the stress out of sickness absence? Simply fill in your details to download your free return to work interview template. It’s packed with the right structure and questions to support your team from the moment they walk back through the door.

If you need immediate assistance or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our HR experts are available 24/7, ready to help you manage sickness and absence with ease.

Call us on 0345 844 1111 or fill out the form to request a callback. Let’s make getting back to work simple!