The effect of health evaluation interviews on illness absenteeism in 500 corporate employees was measured. The 20 min interview, done in conjunction with the periodic medical examination, was designed to assess stress-related symptoms and coping abilities related primarily to work stress. Referrals and educational materials were given to those employees who had stress-related symptoms. Illness absenteeism was monitored 6 mo. prior to and 6 mo. after the interviews. Control groups of employees matched by sex, job classification and job stress score were compared with the experimental group who had the health evaluation interview. A significant drop in illness absenteeism for the experimental group as a result of the health evaluation interview and referral was observed.