For employees
- You can access your systems at home for up to 60 days from last use, providing you have full O365 and VPN access. After 60 days of no activity, your account will be temporarily deactivated.
- Webmail can be accessed on the internet while on leave if you do not have a laptop (but your account will be deactivated after 60 days no use).
- KIT (Keeping in Touch) days are optional, but they can be a helpful way to refresh skills, ease back in and set things up in preparation for returning. KIT days can be used for training days, updates, lectures or conferences, or to maintain or reactivate IT access, and they can be worked remotely if agreed by your line manager. They do not need to be full days.
- Payslips will be sent out to your home address by post.
- Staying connected with colleagues can feel supportive, but it’s okay to take space too.
- Everyone’s leave experience is different — try not to compare yours to others.
- Send in your return form at the earliest time.
- You can receive priority counselling if you have a baby under 1 year of age. See the Support page for in-house options or Perinatal and Infant Mental Health fund for external links searchable by Health Board.
During leave checklist for staff
For managers
- Respect the communication plan you agreed — check in occasionally but don’t overwhelm.
- Remind your team members their systems access will deactivate after 60 days of no use.
- A Service Desk User Form must be completed and a request logged by the line manager for an account to be reactivated.
- Invite staff on leave to informal events or updates (only if they’ve said they want that).
- Keep staff on leave informed of team changes and promotion opportunities (which is a legal requirement).
- Keep track of key dates like KIT days and return plans.
- Be sensitive to personal updates (e.g. complications, loss, mental health).
