Introduction of an attendance management policy is a good move for any
business (it saves an _awful_ lot of money!) but it is a time consuming and
complex process to tailor it to the particular circumstances of the business
concerned. Businesses that implement "off the shelf" (and usually brief and
vague) policies usually find in fairly short order that they are
unsatisfactory. It is best to work up a policy in concert with line and
personnel management, specifically to address the various aspects peculiar
to the business concerned, and then to run it past the company lawyers.
With regard to the specific question of home visits, these have different
purposes at different phases of an absentee's absence. In the first instance
(and I have one client that does this within 48 hours of absence!) line
management are the best people to do it. They are usually the initial
contact point, know the individual and their circumstances best, and can
then, on the basis of the information gained, plan for the expected duration
of absence and initiate any further welfare measures that might be
necessary. Further on in the absence, the visits are more "welfare"
orientated and can be done by the company welfare officer or personnel
department. In general, I feel that home visits performed routinely by
occupational health personnel are not a good idea. This can lead the
workforce into the attitude that occupational health are part of the
"policing" of the attendance management policy, as opposed to being
concerned solely with the state of health of the absentee and being able to
offer impartial advice. The exception to this is the circumstance that Lucy
mentions - ie to allow medical assessment of an employee who is unwilling or
unable to attend for assessment on-site. I am, however, always very wary of
these domiciliary visits and invariably will go with another person
(preferably also medical) who acts as a witness to the goings-on.
I have a little briefing document that details the way the OH department
fits into an attendance management system that I could let you have if you
drop me an email (I'll give it to you for nothing - ouch the pain!).
Stewart Lloyd,
Independent Consultant,
Yorks & Lincs.
www.caritas.co.uk
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