Employee Exit Checklist
Employee separations create legal exposure averaging $40,000-$75,000 per wrongful termination claim. This checklist protects your organization across 80+ critical tasks covering documentation, knowledge transfer, asset recovery, and final settlement. Includes resignation procedures, IT deprovisioning, benefits termination (COBRA), final pay calculations, and exit interviews. Average processing time: 2-3 days for voluntary exits, 1 day for terminations. Ensures compliance with state final pay laws (California requires same day, others allow 30 days), prevents data breaches, and maintains professional relationships.
Initial Exit Process
□ Receive resignation/termination notice
□ Document resignation date and reason
□ Acknowledge receipt of resignation
□ Determine last working day
□ Calculate final pay and benefits
□ Review employment agreement terms
□ Check non-compete/non-disclosure agreements
□ Schedule exit interview
□ Notify HR and payroll
□ Inform IT of departure date
□ Update organizational records
□ Begin transition planning
Knowledge Transfer
□ Create list of current projects
□ Document work in progress
□ Identify critical tasks and deadlines
□ Transfer project ownership
□ Share important passwords (secure method)
□ Document key processes
□ Update procedure manuals
□ Transfer client/vendor relationships
□ Provide status reports
□ Train replacement or team members
□ Create handover documentation
□ Archive important emails
IT & Security Deprovisioning
□ Disable email account (set out-of-office first)
□ Remove system access
□ Revoke VPN access
□ Disable building access cards
□ Change shared passwords
□ Remove from distribution lists
□ Transfer file ownership
□ Backup important data
□ Remove from collaboration tools
□ Revoke software licenses
□ Clear browser saved passwords
□ Wipe company devices
Return of Company Property
□ Collect laptop/computer
□ Return mobile phone
□ Retrieve tablet/other devices
□ Collect access cards/keys
□ Return parking pass
□ Retrieve company credit cards
□ Collect uniforms (if applicable)
□ Return equipment (headset, mouse, etc.)
□ Retrieve company documents
□ Return training materials
□ Collect any borrowed items
□ Get signed property return form
Financial & Benefits Settlement
□ Calculate final paycheck
□ Process unused vacation/PTO payout
□ Determine benefits end date
□ Explain COBRA options
□ Process final expense reports
□ Recover any outstanding advances
□ Calculate severance (if applicable)
□ Provide 401(k) rollover information
□ Update life insurance beneficiaries
□ Cancel corporate cards
□ Settle any outstanding debts
□ Provide final pay stub
Documentation & Compliance
□ Complete separation paperwork
□ File final timesheet
□ Update personnel file
□ Document separation reason
□ Prepare service letter (if required)
□ Issue ROE (Record of Employment)
□ Complete unemployment documentation
□ Archive performance reviews
□ Secure confidential information
□ Update compliance records
□ File termination report
□ Maintain records per retention policy
Exit Interview & Feedback
□ Schedule exit interview
□ Prepare interview questions
□ Discuss reasons for leaving
□ Gather feedback on management
□ Review company culture feedback
□ Identify improvement areas
□ Document suggestions
□ Thank employee for service
□ Maintain professional relationship
□ Get forwarding contact information
□ Discuss reference policy
□ Complete exit interview form
Final Day Procedures
□ Conduct final meeting with manager
□ Say goodbye to team
□ Clean out desk/workspace
□ Remove personal items
□ Return office to original state
□ Complete final tasks
□ Submit final reports
□ Sign exit documents
□ Receive final paycheck (if ready)
□ Get copies of signed documents
□ Escort from building (if required)
□ Wish well in future endeavors
How the Employee Exit Checklist works
Document separation details immediately: type (voluntary/involuntary), effective date, reason. Plan knowledge transfer with 2-week minimum for critical roles. Calculate final pay including unused PTO (varies by state). Schedule IT deactivation for last day. Conduct exit interview to gather feedback. Collect all company property: laptop, phone, badges, keys. Process final paycheck per state law. Issue COBRA notice within 14 days. Archive documentation for 7 years minimum.
Improper separations lead to wrongful termination suits (average settlement: $40,000), data breaches (average cost: $150,000), and reputation damage. Missing final pay deadlines triggers penalties in 15+ states. 65% of exit-related legal issues stem from poor documentation. This checklist ensures legal compliance, protects sensitive data, recovers company assets, and preserves institutional knowledge. Organizations using exit checklists reduce legal claims by 75% and maintain better alumni relationships.
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