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It's critical to approach conversations about employees' absences with curiosity, instead of going in "like a bull at a gate" with assumptions that could be incorrect, a communication specialist warns.

This Q&A covers:

• why conversations about absenteeism are problematic;
• preparing for these discussions;
• setting up the conversation;
• responding to employees' reasons for being absent;
• common pitfalls;
• wrapping up and next steps; and
• the importance of regular check-ins.