Return to Work Date Calculator
The Return to Work Date Calculator helps you plan exactly when you'll return from leave. Whether you're taking maternity leave, paternity leave, sick leave, or vacation, knowing your return date is essential for planning. This calculator accounts for leave type, working patterns, weekends, public holidays, and optional phased returns. It helps you communicate clearly with your employer and plan your transition back to work. For extended leave like maternity or parental leave, the tool can also calculate key milestones such as when to give notice of return if you're changing your planned return date.
planning
Category
beginner
Difficulty
2 minutes
Time needed
2025-01-15
Last reviewed
Why use this calculator
Calculate exact return date from any leave type
Calculate your return to work date based on leave start date and duration, accounting for weekends and holidays.
Account for weekends and public holidays
Calculate your return to work date based on leave start date and duration, accounting for weekends and holidays.
Plan phased returns for extended absence
Calculate your return to work date based on leave start date and duration, accounting for weekends and holidays.
Identify notice deadlines for changing return dates
Calculate your return to work date based on leave start date and duration, accounting for weekends and holidays.
Works for all leave types
Calculate your return to work date based on leave start date and duration, accounting for weekends and holidays.
Inputs and outputs
Inputs
Type of leave: select - Select the type of leave you are taking
Leave start date: date - When does/did your leave begin?
Duration measured in: radio
Leave duration: number - How long is your leave?
Working pattern: select - Your normal working week
Exclude public holidays?: radio
Country (for public holidays): select
Planning a phased return?: checkbox - Check if you want to calculate a gradual return
Outputs
Return to Work Date: text - The date you should return to work
Last Day of Leave: text - Your final day away from work
Total Calendar Days: text - Total calendar days of leave
Working Days of Leave: text - Number of working days covered
Change Notice Deadline: text - Deadline to change your return date (if applicable)
Phased Return Suggestion: text - Suggested gradual return schedule
Methodology
Calculation method
Adds leave duration to start date, adjusting for weekends and holidays. For working days, only counts weekdays (and optionally excludes holidays). Returns the first working day after leave ends.
Formula: Return Date = Start Date + Duration (adjusted for non-working days)
How it works
Select your type of leave
Enter the start date of your leave
Choose how duration is measured (weeks/days)
Enter the length of your leave
Specify your working pattern
Decide whether to exclude public holidays
View your calculated return date
Compliance note
This calculator provides planning guidance. Actual return dates should be confirmed with your employer. Notice periods and statutory entitlements vary by leave type and jurisdiction.
Legal basis: Maternity and Parental Leave Regulations 1999 (UK), FMLA (US)
Example scenarios
UK Maternity Leave - 52 Weeks
Full maternity leave starting in January
Why it matters: 52 weeks from 6 Jan 2025 ends 4 Jan 2026; return on Monday 5 Jan.
2-Week Vacation
Annual leave for 10 working days
Why it matters: 10 working days from Mon 4 Aug = return Mon 18 Aug (bank holiday excluded).
Frequently asked questions
Can I change my maternity leave return date?
Yes, in the UK you can change your return date with 8 weeks notice. If you want to return earlier or later than originally planned, inform your employer in writing.
What is a phased return to work?
A phased return means gradually increasing your hours over several weeks, often used after illness or maternity leave. This might start at 50% hours and build to full-time over 4-6 weeks.
Do weekends count as part of my leave?
For week-based leave like maternity, weekends are included in the total. For day-based annual leave, typically only working days are counted.
What if my return date falls on a holiday?
If your calculated return date is a public holiday, you would return on the next working day. This calculator automatically adjusts for this.
Related calculators
Sick Leave Balance Calculator
Track your sick leave balance, calculate accruals, and understand your entitlement.
FMLA Eligibility Calculator
Determine if you qualify for unpaid, job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Working Days Calculator
Calculate the number of working days between two dates, excluding weekends and holidays.