Toshiba's absence management policy has helped it reduce its sickness absence rate by 16%. Following a review of its policies, the electronics firm brought in tighter controls such as return to work interviews for absentees.
Susan Stevens, head of HR, said that identifying problem areas was key to the reduction of employee absence. "If someone is appearing on the report [of problem areas], their manager will sit down with them to discuss it in more detail and see whether we can do anything to help."
She added that little touches such as recognising when employees are absent can help.