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?

Can you explain the logic around this assumption?

That's not a result of being 'sick' though. That's a result of you not wanting to because you had a bad experience, not a result of being too 'sick' to do so.

The employer are already paying for OP to be 'off sick' for her notice period when the reason for her being off sick no longer applies.

Now claiming she shouldn't be expected to return items within a given period because she's 'off sick' is just awkwardness.

She doesn't work there anymore, she's no longer suffering from 'work-related stress' as doesn't work there anymore. She is in possession of their property and just needs to return it or tell them to arrange for it to be collected, not moan that they shouldn't be asking her because she's 'off sick'.

As you are too unfit to work, and taking equipment back in what would be your working hours, and is for work purposes, would be carrying out a task for the company (work) and assuming they have no policy of equipment being taken back when someone is off sick, then you can go back with a suggestion they collect, or you will return it at the end of your sick leave/when you feel able to whichever is earlier.

Tell them if it's urgent they can send a courier to pick it up on x days between x times. But you're not well enough to box it up or take it anywhere at the moment. Due to being off sick.

It’s also perfectly normal to send a courier. I’ve had to arrange that for several members of staff.

You have their physical and intellectual property.

Just box it up and let them know it is ready for collection. You cant be so ill as not able to bag a laptop, surely.

Edited to add: have you considered they need to redeploy the laptop to your replacement/backfill.

It’s perfectly normal for work equipment to be couriered. Just ask them to arrange for it to be collected. You absolutely do not need to go in in person.

A courier is perfectly normal.

I'd tell them that due to being off work sick either they have to wait until I am better, or send a suitable box and you will pack it up and then they can send a courier, or a staff member can come and collect. Which is another perfectly normal thing to do.

Laptop and uniform?

Yeah this, or if it’s that urgent, tell them to send a courier to collect it

Not necessarily- public sector laptops and security is a big thing.
We always have to bring them in by person... although OP's husband /partner/family member could do it for her.

She doesn't have to travel long journeys: she can arrange a courier. (She resigned, it’s her responsibility to get it back to them by a suitable method.)

I've had laptops delivered to me from work, as long as its shut down and nobody can get into it without the password, it'll be okay. I work in a government department.

Surely not?

I've been in this position. Electronics and other expensive items I returned in person with a receipt I had prepared. I told them I would not leave without a signature for the items. OP, you mention a security issue with the things you have so really need to try and get them back somehow. You will feel so relieved afterwards and it will help your recovery having that closure.

"she's got a sicknote to cover till the end of her notice to get paid but isn't 'sick' anymore"

How is she not sick any more?

I agree given the sick note it’s not reasonable to ask the OP to bring kit in themself.

The organisation proving a courier is a sensible approach.

I have returned kit in a public sector post with access to sensitive data without issue. It’s a fairly standard process.

You need proof that you handed the equipment and uniform back without being damaged, so I wouldn't leave them in your locker.

Also make sure you get a signed receipt for the items that you have returned.

"That's not a result of being 'sick' though. That's a result of you not wanting to because you had a bad experience, not a result of being too 'sick' to do so."

Well, OP's doctor obviously disagrees and considers that she is sick/mentally unwell because of her experience.

reply to say it’s packed up and ready for collection. When should you expect their courier.

Another thought, you are currently signed off sick. This means if you enter your workplace you are not covered by their insurance should you have an accident. Therefore you can't return the items in person at the moment. They will have to send a courier or a 'manager' collect from you at a time convenient to both of you

There’s a difference between being mentally unwell to work and mentally unwell to hand in a laptop though. Unless something very traumatic happened to op in the building I would think someone who is capable of starting a new job is capable of going in to hand in a laptop.
If something very traumatic happened then I would assume work is aware and knows to make other arrangements.

This hasn’t been true for at least 20 years.

That’s ridiculous, by that analogy no one can ever go and visit another office. Surely also when off sick you are sometimes expected to go into the office for keeping in touch meetings or reintegration meetings

There are specialist courier firms for delivery of confidential and/or precious items and documents. This company could then hand deliver your equipment to your manager and get a signature.This would be a better option than leaving it in a locker and giving someone else a key as you would not have evidence of returning it.
I suggest you ask HR to arrange collection from you.
Alternatively if they say they can’t use a courier, ask them to arrange for it to be collected by a member of staff who was not your line manager (assuming they are one of the reasons you are stressed). Perhaps a junior HR admin or member of security.