KIT Days

What Are KIT Days?

KIT Days, short for Keeping in Touch Days, are days that employees on maternity leave or adoption leave in the UK can choose to work without bringing their statutory leave to an end.

The purpose of KIT Days is to help employees stay connected with their workplace while they are away on leave. They provide an opportunity to attend important meetings, complete training, participate in team events, or ease the transition back to work.

KIT Days are entirely voluntary for both the employee and the employer. Neither party is obligated to offer or accept them, and participation must be agreed upon by both sides.

Introduced as part of UK family leave legislation, KIT Days help balance the benefits of extended leave with the need to maintain professional relationships and workplace continuity.

Why KIT Days Matter

Returning to work after an extended period of leave can feel challenging for many employees.

KIT Days help by allowing employees to:

• Stay informed about workplace developments

• Maintain professional relationships

• Attend important training sessions

• Learn about new systems or processes

• Prepare for returning to work

• Reduce anxiety around rejoining the workplace

For employers, KIT Days support smoother workforce planning and improve employee retention after parental leave.

How Do KIT Days Work?

Employees on statutory maternity leave or adoption leave can usually work up to 10 KIT Days without ending their leave or affecting their entitlement to statutory maternity or adoption pay, subject to UK employment rules.

KIT Days may be used for:

• Team meetings

• Training courses

• Strategy sessions

• Client meetings

• Performance reviews

• Workplace updates

• Project planning

Employees can work a full day or only part of a day. In most cases, any work completed on a day counts as one full KIT Day.

KIT Days vs Shared Parental Leave in Touch (SPLIT) Days

Although similar, these arrangements apply to different types of family leave.

Both are designed to maintain communication between employers and employees during extended leave.

Benefits of KIT Days

For Employees

KIT Days offer several advantages, including:

• Maintaining workplace confidence

• Keeping professional skills up to date

• Building stronger relationships with colleagues

• Easier transition back to work

• Reduced feelings of isolation

Many employees find that participating in a few KIT Days makes returning after several months away feel less overwhelming.

For Employers

Organizations also benefit through:

• Better workforce continuity

• Improved communication

• Higher employee engagement

• Stronger retention after parental leave

• Reduced onboarding when employees return

Employers can also use KIT Days to introduce new technology, organizational changes, or updated policies.

Best Practices for Employers

Successful organizations generally:

• Explain KIT Day policies before leave begins.

• Allow employees to decide whether they wish to participate.

• Schedule meaningful activities rather than routine administrative work.

• Maintain regular communication throughout leave.

• Respect employees' personal circumstances.

Flexibility and mutual agreement are central to making KIT Days effective.

Common Misunderstandings About KIT Days

Some people mistakenly believe employees must use all available KIT Days. In reality:

• Employees do not have to use any KIT Days.

• Employers cannot require employees to work KIT Days.

• Using fewer than ten days is perfectly acceptable.

• Participation should always be mutually agreed upon.

Understanding these principles helps avoid confusion and ensures compliance with employment legislation.

The Future of Flexible Family Leave

As hybrid working and digital collaboration become more common, many organizations are rethinking how they support employees during periods of family leave.

Virtual meetings, online learning platforms, and flexible work arrangements make it easier for employees to remain connected while still enjoying the benefits of statutory leave.

KIT Days continue to play an important role in creating positive employee experiences and supporting successful returns to work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does KIT stand for?

KIT stands for Keeping in Touch.

How many KIT Days can employees use?

Employees on maternity or adoption leave can generally work up to 10 KIT Days under UK employment rules.

Are KIT Days mandatory?

No. Both the employer and employee must agree to use KIT Days.

Do KIT Days end maternity leave?

No. Working agreed KIT Days does not automatically end statutory maternity or adoption leave.