Post-Leave (Return to Work) Training Needs and Human Resource Development

Abstract

The Problem Employee leave is impacted by a variety of laws that address employer obligations and employee responsibilities. While the employee leave process is managed by an organization’s Human Resource Management (HRM) function, in most cases these laws and internal organizational policies and procedures do not address the training needs related to the employee’s return to work and subsequent integration into the workplace. Training, and Development is a component of Human Resource Development (HRD) and thus HRD should be largely involved in the employee’s transition back to work. In addition, supervisors/managers should examine their role in to evaluating the training needs of the employee and facilitating a successful post-leave return to work. The HRD literature can benefit from an integrated model of. The Solution This article reviews an important workplace phenomenon existing at the intersection of Human Resource Management (HRM) policies related to employee leave and HRD practices related to addressing training needs upon return to work and emphasizing employee orientation and integration back into the workforce. As a major component of HRD, Organization Development (OD) can also be employed to create a supportive organizational culture for employees on leave. We synthesize existing research on post-leave and rely on the HRD literature to propose solutions that highlight employee training and development interventions. Recommendations for practitioners include how to improve the workplace environment for employees prior to their leave as well as upon return, how to enhance the existence of orientation programs, and how to properly train managers to work well with employees and assess their training needs upon return from leave. The Stakeholders HRD practitioners that are looking to improve leave policies and documented practices as they pertain to the performance and training needs of leave-taking employees upon returning to work as well as managers that strive to ensure returning employees have the knowledge and skills necessary to regain previous levels of competence and productivity will be interested in this research.