Line managers play a vital role in an organization, working directly with employees. A line manager should have excellent communication skills, as this will make employees feel comfortable discussing any issues they may have. If employees are able to discuss issues with their superiors, this will prevent many future problems. This could help the organization reduce absenteeism rates. A line manager should be sent for training to become familiar with the following: • the line manager should learn the company's absence policies and procedures • they should know what their role is in relation to absenteeism. the absence management program • they must have knowledge of the legal and disciplinary aspects of absence • understand what the role of occupational health services is • Managers must have interview skills, to be in able to conduct a return to work interview if there is a problem employees are misusing leave. • They must be able to approach employees in a respectable manner and have counseling skills when necessary (McAfee and Champagne, 1994). Managers play many roles in an organization. Managers have interpersonal roles, information roles, resource allocation roles, and “disruption management” roles. Interpersonal roles are described as managers acting as leaders and providing direction and motivation to staff; Furthermore, managers attempt to preserve good relationships among many individuals and groups within the organization. The next role of a manager is the information role, which allows managers to seek and obtain information as a basis for success, providing valuable information as well as giving guidance to workers in decision making . Resource allocation matches tasks...... middle of paper...... training if they use hazardous or specialized equipment. Provide employees with items necessary for their protection, such as gloves, goggles, lab coat, etc. • Investigate why employees take visiting leave, if applicable. • Encourage employees to use the services provided, such as counseling • Recording and maintaining reports on the time an employee takes leave or is absent from work due to illness. • Managers are responsible for investigating cases, if there is abuse of leave taken (Mikalachki & Gandz, 1982). McAfee, BR & Champagne, PJ, 1994. Managing Problematic Employees Effectively. Greenword Publishing Group. Mikalachki, A. & Gandz, J., 1982. Management of absenteeism. Ontario: WesternSims University Research and Publications Division, RR, 2002. Organizational Behavior Management. Greenwood Publishing Group.