Conversation techniques for a positive absence policy

A good conversation can do wonders. Especially when it comes to such a delicate subject as absenteeism. Yet, as an employer, it is not always easy to balance the interests of your company with the needs of your employees. This course helps you engage in constructive dialogue. The right approach results in mutual understanding. This is how you build an open working culture where absenteeism can be discussed.  

This course teaches you how to conduct absenteeism conversations to create an open culture and a relationship of trust with your employees. 

You learn how to conduct an absenteeism conversation in a positive manner. Together, we look at the needs of your organisation.

You will learn how to conduct conversations in various situations using practical cases and a professional role-playing game. With a lot of focus on feedback, both from your trainer and fellow students. This will give you a better grip on difficult conversations and prepare you for all kinds of situations.

The course consists of:

Intake: we will talk to your organisation to get an idea of the context, challenges, and expectations.

Training: theoretical knowledge of absenteeism conversations.

• When should you talk about an absenteeism problem?
• What is your role as a manager within a positive approach to absenteeism?
• What types of conversations are possible?
• How do you have warm professional conversations?
• What discussion and communication techniques can you use?

​Practical exercises

• intensive practical exercises in a small group: 4 to 5 participants
• you work your way through different conversations, styles, and techniques
• a role play in which you practise various situations
  Optionally, this can be organised with a professional actor. 

Follow-up: we dive deeper into your points of interest.

Sharpening your communication skills helps you identify the underlying causes of absenteeism. This is how you can tackle the problem systematically. After completing this course, you will:

• Have a good idea of the kind of conversations you can have
• Have more knowledge of business dialogue
• Have the basics skills to build a relationship based on trust
• Have everything you need to make absenteeism a subject of discussion
• Know which type of conversation is appropriate when
• Know what conversation technique or style works best
• Know how to build trust

An absenteeism policy is not just HR’s responsibility. In addition to HR managers, direct supervisors, members of management, prevention advisers, and business managers can also attend the course.

The Social Welfare Act requires you, as an employer, to focus on health, safety, and prevention. It is your job to identify risks at work. This could include an excessive workload for certain teams or colleagues. You can then avoid absenteeism with the right prevention measures. Our training courses give you a better overview of the bottlenecks in your organisation.

More information on the Welfare Act >

The price depends on the way you follow the course.

If your organisation is affiliated with Mensura External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work (ESPPW) and you have prevention units, you can pay with these as long as your balance is sufficient.

We qualify for all kinds of subsidies and financing options because we are certified by many government agencies and sector funds.

Also check out the general frequently asked questions, including on certification and payments >