Why the emotions associated with KIT days might surprise you

When you are on maternity leave (in the UK), you’re entitled to 10 optional days that allow you to work without impacting your entitlement to maternity leave or pay.  These “Keeping in Touch” (KIT) days are a useful way to stay connected with your organisation and team, helping you maintain your professional identity and ease the eventual transition back to work.

On a personal level, it can feel lovely to leave the house with just a handbag, listen to your choice of music or podcast on the commute, enjoy a hot coffee and talk to adults again.

So far, so good.  It all seems perfectly doable and a good use of time.

Here comes the but… many people are taken by surprise by how hard it can be to actually go in. The nerves often arrive out of nowhere and the place you used to go every day suddenly feels daunting and unfamiliar.

Why does this happen?

It’s a change in routine.
Life on maternity leave runs to an entirely different rhythm.  Stepping back into the pace, expectations and sensory overload of the workplace can feel overwhelming.  Plus being reminded of your previous self, pre baby, can feel jarring.

Worries about leaving your baby.
Even if you’re only gone for a few hours, it can stir up emotions you weren’t expecting. You may find yourself clock-watching or wondering if they’ve settled.  That emotional pull is powerful, and it can make focusing on anything else surprisingly difficult.

Unease about your role and visibility.
Seeing someone else in “your” seat or hearing about work you used to own can trigger unexpected feelings such as pride, relief, insecurity, even jealousy.  All completely normal, but often unspoken.

Awkwardness about reconnecting.
Conversations can feel stilted when everyone else seems to have carried on without you.  You might not know the latest office jokes, projects or people.  It can feel like being a guest in a place that used to feel like home.

What can help?

Expect it to feel emotional and know that’s normal.
KIT days sit right on the edge between two worlds: your life at home and your life at work. Feeling wobbly doesn’t mean you’re not ready, it just highlights how big the transition between the two worlds are.

Make a plan for the day.
Arrange to meet your manager or a trusted colleague when you arrive.  Having someone meet you at the door, grab a coffee and help you settle in can make a huge difference.

Set an intention.
Think about what you want to get from the day.  Perhaps reconnecting with your team, catching up on changes, or having a conversation about flexible working.  A clear purpose helps you feel more in control.

Take it slowly.
One KIT day doesn’t need to cover everything.  You can ease yourself back in over several visits, building confidence each time.

KIT days can stir up emotions that take you by surprise, but they’re also a valuable chance to bridge two parts of your life.  With some preparation, empathy for yourself and open communication with your employer, they can become a small but meaningful step towards feeling ready to return again.