Do I take my work laptop on holiday?

[Onlyrainbows]

In going on holiday on Friday. Small chance I might have to stay longer. I'd rather not take it, but I guess it would be best if I do?

How much longer would you have to stay?
Have you told work you may need to stay longer?

I know my work wouldn't allow us due to insurance of the laptop etc

Are you even allowed to? I wouldn't have been allowed to take mine out of the country (assuming you're going abroad).

This is really a question to ask your boss or HR rep isn't it? Depends on where you're going, insurance, data security concerns, etc.

No, you may need to take extra unpaid leave but mention it to your employer beforehand if circumstances apply.

I've asked my boss in the past about working in a different country while visiting, and she's been very much ok about it.

If I stay longer it would be for medical reasons, but no, I haven't told them.

Your going to have to tell them there's a chance you need to stay longer?

Also your manager will need to clear it with IT department.
Who I'm guessing will say no due to the risks

People from my team have worked remotely whole visiting family. (India and the US) so obviously it's not a problem.

If I end up staying longer it would be similar to medical leave (as in surgery) so I wouldn't be expected to work, so maybe there's no real need.

I do this often for 1/2 days and my work is very flexible about it. Mostly to maximise weekends away or if flights on the Friday/ Sunday are very expensive 😁 if you are going to be on medical leave though, I agree no need but might give you piece of mind to know that you don't need to rush back anytime soon if you feel well enough to work but not to travel.

Having surgery changes the whole thing then.
No I wouldn't take it.

If I end up staying longer it would be similar to medical leave (as in surgery) so I wouldn't be expected to work, so maybe there's no real need.

Would you get paid if you didnt work?
If there is the slightest chance you may not be able to get back in time, why wouldnt you take it with you?

Will you get any thanks if you do? Probably not. Enjoy yourself.

*while

Who knows if I'll be thanked! I'm visiting family, going on a proper beach holiday and getting medical second opinions (thus why I might need to stay longer).

I'm hesitant to take it because I'll have my 2yo and 12yo travelling with me, and taking that laptop is an extra level of "stress".

Just don't take it. You're on holiday. You can't get this time back, just enjoy this time with your family.

If you are going abroad then in our company it would be a security breach to use your laptop in a different country.
I do however have Teams and Outlook email on my personal devices in case of an emergency or protracted stay.