Making the Most of Your KIT Days: A Strategic Approach

Written By MOB MOBSTER

Hi Mobsters, I’m Susie, mobster, mum and founder of HiHo Coaching, each week I am going to be sharing my retrun to work after having a baby strategies with The MOB community. This week I am talking all about KIT days aka Keeping In Touch Days. As always please feel free to pop any questions in the comments box!

When I was preparing for my own return to work after maternity leave, I underestimated the power of KIT (Keeping in Touch) days. My boss at the time told me "don't ask about KIT, I don’t believe in them". In hindsight and through my experience coaching parents during this transition, I've seen how these optional workdays during parental leave can transform the return experience - when used strategically.

What Are KIT Days, Really?

Beyond the technical definition (up to 10 paid workdays to be taken at any point during the 52-week maternity or adoption leave period, excluding the first two weeks after childbirth - 4 weeks for factory workers), KIT days serve as bridges between your pre-parent and parent-professional identities. They offer glimpses back into your work world while your primary focus remains on your new child.

As one of my clients, Rebecca, described after her return to work: "I nearly didn't use them at all. Looking back, they were absolutely crucial to my confident return. They gave me a chance to dip my toe back in gradually rather than diving into the deep end. They should be called practice days not keeping in touch days."

It's About What YOU Need, Not Just What Your Employer Wants

KIT days are often discussed with the benefits for the employer in mind. They want their returning employee to be up to speed with the business, abreast of any changes to their role, and ultimately returning ready to work.

In reality, what your employer really wants is an employee who is happy, confident, and ready to work. You can use your KIT days to make sure your employer is getting what they WANT while you get what you NEED!

Identifying Your Return-to-Work Concerns

When thinking about your return to work, it's important to identify the areas causing you anxiety. Common concerns include:

  • Leaving your baby

  • The commute back to the office

  • Remembering how to do your job

  • Interacting with colleagues

  • What to wear

  • Your baby settling into childcare arrangements

Take time to journal about these feelings. Seeing them written down helps you address them strategically through your KIT days.

A Strategic Approach to Your KIT Days

1. Preparing Your Commute

If the thought of rushing for the train or sitting in traffic feels overwhelming when combined with childcare logistics, use a KIT day to practice your new routine.

  • Start at the end: What time do you need to be in the office?

  • Work backwards: How long will it take to get there?

  • Check if public transport timetables have changed

  • Allow extra time for childcare drop-offs

  • Plan what you'll do during your commute

Many returning parents are surprised to discover how much they cherish commute time as precious moments for themselves - listening to podcasts, reading, or simply enjoying uninterrupted thoughts.

2. Planning Your Work Wardrobe

Feeling confident in what you're wearing helps you feel confident in your persona. Many of us change significantly during pregnancy and lose confidence in our appearance.

Use your KIT days to:

  • Test comfortable work outfits

  • Notice what others are wearing in the office

  • Create a two-week capsule wardrobe (6 outfits for 3 days/week, 10 outfits for full-time)

  • Consider creating Pinterest boards or lists of outfit combinations

Having pre-planned outfits gives you one less thing to worry about during already busy mornings.

3. Preparing for Colleague Conversations

Worrying about social interactions after spending months focused on your baby is completely normal. Prepare for those initial conversations before your official return:

  • Research current Netflix shows or bestselling books. You don't need to have watched/read them! Just understand the premise of them is often enough to show you haven’t been living in a cave

  • Use KIT days to read internal posts about office sports teams, promotions, or recent projects

  • Prepare simple conversation starters that don't revolve around your baby

  • Practice directing conversations by asking questions

4. Testing Your New Routines

KIT days provide perfect opportunities to practice your new family routines:

  • Try your morning routine exactly as it will be when you return

  • If you'll be hybrid working, make some KIT days remote and others in-office

  • Practice the childcare drop-off and pick-up routine

  • Test your evening routine and dinner preparation plan

  • Discuss your schedule openly with your manager so they understand your commitments

  • Most importantly, discuss your routine with your partner. When returning to work the shift from full time care giver, house maid and chef need to be redistributed. Your KIT days are a great practice opportunity at home too!

5. Tackling Imposter Syndrome

The most common fear when returning to work is forgetting how to do your job. Remember:

  • You've spent a year mastering countless "firsts" with your baby

  • You've become so used to new situations that you're transferring that uncertainty to something you've done successfully for years

  • Use KIT days to refamiliarise yourself with systems and processes

  • Connect with colleagues to understand what has changed

  • Attend team days or business update meetings if possible

  • Remember that no one expects you to pick up exactly where you left off

The Truth About Your Return

By the end of your first week back, you'll likely realise that while your life has changed enormously in the past year, your job hasn't changed that much at all. In fact, you're probably overqualified for the role you left, having developed incredible new skills in time management, negotiation, and multitasking during your time away!

Building Your Personal KIT Day Strategy

Every parent's situation is unique. Factors like your role, company culture, childcare options, and personal preferences should shape your approach to KIT days.

For personalised guidance on making the most of your KIT days, I offer 1:1 Coaching Sessions and my signature Return Ready 6 week coaching programme.

For MOB members only, for the next month, I’m offering my KIT days workbook FREE, just use the code THEMOB at checkout.

KIT days aren't just about keeping in touch with your workplace, they're about reclaiming your professional identity on your own terms.



MOB MOBSTER
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