The TU Berlin has introduced its keeping in touch (KIT) scheme in an attempt to keep the lines of communication open with employees who are taking time out to care for family members. The aims are to strengthen the links with the TUB for all those affected and to make it easier for them to return to work at the end of their leave of absence for care commitments. The following steps are intended to help:

• Planning meetings for managers and employees

• Systems to ensure that information is sent out during leave of absence for care commitments, e.g. current internal memos, information from the Personnel Representation Council, in-service training courses, job advertisements, the "TU intern" university newsletter, invitations to information events for employees on leave, invitations to Christmas parties and works outings

• Return-to-work interviews for managers and employees before the return date

• Peer mentoring scheme whereby a colleague is assigned to provide support and ease the transition back to work