1. When should the immediate supervisor notify the HRBP about an employee’s absence? The supervisor must inform the HRBP on the first day of the employee’s unexcused absence or AWOL.
2. What should the immediate supervisor do to contact the absent employee? The supervisor must use all available communication methods, such as mobile phone and email, to check the employee’s status and inform them of the consequences of continued absence.
3. What happens if the employee does not respond after multiple communication attempts? The HRBP issues a Return-to-Work Order (RTWO) with a Notice to Explain (NTE) on the second day of absence and escalates the process if no response is received.
4. Are there additional steps if the employee fails to return to work? Yes, a second RTWO is issued on the fourth day, and if there is still no response, the HRBP drafts a Notice of Decision and initiates offboarding.
5. What happens if the employee returns to work after receiving an RTWO? Employees who return after being absent without official leave (AWOL) will still be subject to appropriate disciplinary action for the infraction.
6. Can we remove the employee's access while processing RTWO? Yes, it is generally acceptable to temporarily deactivate the employee's access while on RTWO status. This is for security measure and ensure that access is only restored once the employee complies with the necessary requirements or once the RTWO process is finalized. However, it is important to communicate and document the reason for deactivating the employee's access for setting of expectations.
