People vary in how much contact they want during parental leave. Some like staying connected to work and colleagues; others prefer to fully step away and focus on their new parenting responsibilities.
There is no right approach — it’s about what works for you.
Staying in touch can be informal (an occasional check-in, a coffee with colleagues) or more structured, such as Keeping in Touch (KIT) or Shared Parental Leave In Touch (SPLIT) Days. Used well — and on your terms — these options can help you feel more confident about returning to work, maintain relationships, and make the transition back smoother.
Importantly, staying in touch is always optional. You should never feel pressure to be available or involved while on parental leave.
KIT and SPLIT days – what you need to know
You may choose to work:
- Up to 10 paid KIT days during maternity or adoption leave
- Up to 20 paid SPLIT daysduring Shared Parental Leave
These days are voluntary and can be used flexibly — for example, to attend training, team meetings, or to ease back into work towards the end of your leave.
You do not have to use them, and you cannot be required to do so.
Supportive practices: what you can do to help your employer
- Talk early (if you can) – Before your leave starts, have a simple conversation with your manager about what contact, if any, you’d find helpful. This doesn’t need to be formal — just clear.
- You can change your mind – Early parenthood is unpredictable. It’s okay to adjust contact arrangements as your circumstances change.
“I think with my first maternity leave, I was quite hands off, I didn’t keep in touch too much from a work perspective…But the second time, I was a lot more involved with the business and hearing updates…I think because it was my second time with a child I felt a bit more comfortable knowing what I was doing” (Carla, SME employee)
- Use KIT/SPLIT days in ways that suit you – These days should support your confidence and return to work, not create pressure.
- Ask for clarity – If something is agreed (for example, check-ins or KIT days), it’s reasonable to ask for a brief written note so everyone is on the same page.
- Social contact is optional – Staying socially connected with colleagues can be good, but there’s no obligation to attend events or respond to messages.
- Speak up if something doesn’t feel right – If contact starts to feel pressurised or unhelpful, it’s okay to raise this and reset expectations.
“I’ve never actually done this before I’m not sure what I’m going to want’. I think I said maybe I would probably look at doing it more towards the end as a way to be integrating back in rather than at the beginning. So, I don’t think it will be a case of being in touch all the way through” (Jonna – Employee, 10-49 staff)
