Resigning and return of work equipment

[ann4812]

Unfortunately I have resigned from my job, been there a long time but things have changed the past couple of years and I’ve found myself more and more unhappy and stressed.

I have been signed off with work related stress, during which I have resigned, due to finding another job that hopefully will be better. My sick note runs to the end of my notice so u won’t be returning now.

Within 2 days of resigning, I have been contacted multiple times by supervisors, HR, colleagues stating that my work equipment (laptop, uniform, access card etc) needs to be returned within 2 days. My notice period runs for a month.

I am aware that this is company property and will need returning, and I am of course planning to do so. But AIBU to find this a bit much when I’m off with work related stress for them to be demanding everything back straight away?

For context, I’ve genuinely been unwell, although I have a new job I am down about the end of my career as I thought it was going to be. Where I need to return my equipment to is over an hour from me, and I am likely going to need someone to come with me to support me due to how I feel about work at the moment and the anxiety it’s causing me and has caused me.

I have obviously not been using my work equipment while I have been off sick and don’t plan to do so, it’s just the pressure being put on me within days to get it back. AIBU or is this normal?

Have you responded to tell them you are too unwell to return it just yet?

When this happened to me, my DP returned all my kit, I just couldn’t face going near the place.

Look after yourself first and your own health & good luck with your future.

Say you will return it in reasonable time and before your final day but you are currently unwell so it won't be this week.
Try to ignore the pressure being put on you. You haven't done anything wrong. Someone there is being a nasty jobsworth

You don't hold any cards here. Just return their property.

I would tell them that it isn’t possible for you to get it to them in that time frame, but they are welcome to arrange for a courier of their choosing (and at their expense) to come and collect it all. If you don’t have something suitable to pack it up in, you’ll need to ask them to provide that too. Alternatively, if you are happy with this, they can arrange for a manager to come and collect everything. Otherwise assure them that you will return it all before your notice period runs out, but as you are unwell it is going to take you a few weeks to be able to do this.

I hope the new job is better for you.

Agree. Just give it back OP you are being awkward

Just make sure you get it all back during the notice period and otherwise ignore them

Ask them to arrange a courier to collect. This is what most work places do anyway.

You could also ask if they will pay for a courier if they want it back sooner

the employer doesn’t have any cards either

Yes, multiple time.

That’s pretty standard to be expected to return equipment promptly. It’s not in use, so there is no reason for you to have it.

If getting it there is a problem then it’s reasonable to say it’s available for collection but Youre not up to bringing it in at the moment.

How so? Shes literally in possession of their property?

I understand fully that it is their property, I’m genuinely not trying to be awkward at all. Last time I was at work it was an awful day and I walked out in tears and have been signed off since. It’s hard to explain but it’s genuinely horrible the thought of going back there, and I think I need support to do it which I need to arrange with a friend (no DP). I am of course going to make sure this is done as soon as it can be.

Tell them to organise a courier to collect it from you as you are too unwell to travel. Give them a date that you will be at home to give it to the courier. Pack it in a box. Take a photo of it before you close the lid.

But she's also signed off sick so can't be forced to make long journeys. I'm also not sure to what extent they can contact her when she's off sick. They're not supposed to be harassing her, surely?

I’d either got someone else to drop it in or say someone is welcome to collect it as your off sick right now and not well enough to do so, you don’t work there anymore so don’t let them boss you around, you say what you can and can’t do now , not them, good luck in your new role x

I’m not sure what is going to change in a couple of weeks for you to feel week enough to return the equipment.

As others have said either request a courier or say you will only do it before work for example to security when no one else is around.

You are leaving. It’s their equipment. Return it and then wash your hands of them.

Just tell them to come and collect it or arrange a courier.

Be careful if reference needed quickly. They may sit on that. Telling them to arrange a courier to pick up looks sensible for both sides

Tell them to arrange a courier for your last day and you will have it all ready in a box. If you can complain here you can do that.

Yes you can contact someone when they are on stress leave. This is such a myth that no contact can be made. As she is leaving it isn’t unreasonable to arrange for equipment back. She isn’t forced to make a long journey as her stress is work related not journey related. Her house and place of business have always been in the same places.

Courier?

I would contact HR via email and say that you are currently signed off sick and are too unwell to return it. However, you would be happy to return it via a courier if they would arrange for it to be picked up from your home. That is reasonable in the circumstances & shows you're willing for them to have it back but that you are too unwell to do it yourself. If they agree but say they will send a colleague & you dont want to face them either, arrange for it to collected from a nearby friend instead.

Good luck

Yes, I know they can be contacted when necessary, but multiple times asking a question that OP has already answered?
She's still forced to make a long journey while on sick leave.