Employee Separation Checklist

Separation Initiation

□ Document separation type (voluntary/involuntary)
□ Record effective date
□ Note reason for separation
□ Review company policies
□ Consult with HR/Legal
□ Prepare separation agreement
□ Calculate notice period
□ Plan announcement strategy
□ Document performance issues (if applicable)
□ Review legal requirements
□ Consider severance eligibility
□ Update records immediately

Legal & Compliance

□ Review employment contract
□ Check non-compete agreements
□ Verify non-disclosure obligations
□ Assess unemployment eligibility
□ Prepare COBRA notifications
□ Issue required notices
□ Document separation properly
□ File government reports
□ Update compliance records
□ Prepare reference policy
□ Address pending complaints
□ Secure signed releases

Transition Management

□ Identify coverage needs
□ Reassign responsibilities
□ Transfer project ownership
□ Update client assignments
□ Notify affected parties
□ Document work status
□ Create transition timeline
□ Brief replacement/team
□ Transfer authorities
□ Update signatures
□ Reassign committees
□ Close open items

Final Compensation

□ Calculate final wages
□ Process accrued vacation
□ Determine sick leave payout
□ Calculate commissions due
□ Process bonus if eligible
□ Compute severance package
□ Deduct any advances
□ Process final expenses
□ Calculate deductions
□ Prepare final paycheck
□ Document all calculations
□ Issue pay statements

Benefits Termination

□ End health insurance
□ Process COBRA paperwork
□ Terminate life insurance
□ End disability coverage
□ Stop retirement contributions
□ Calculate vesting
□ Cancel FSA/HSA contributions
□ End other benefits
□ Provide benefits summary
□ Explain continuation options
□ Process rollovers
□ Update beneficiaries

Property Collection

□ List all company property
□ Collect identification badges
□ Retrieve keys and cards
□ Return electronic devices
□ Collect software/manuals
□ Retrieve vehicles (if applicable)
□ Return uniforms/equipment
□ Collect confidential documents
□ Clear desk contents
□ Remove personal items
□ Document returns
□ Assess any damages

System Deactivation

□ Disable computer access
□ Close email account
□ Revoke database access
□ Remove from systems
□ Cancel software licenses
□ Disable phone access
□ Remove from websites
□ Close accounts
□ Change passwords
□ Update access lists
□ Remove permissions
□ Archive user data

Exit Procedures

□ Conduct exit interview
□ Gather feedback
□ Address concerns
□ Discuss transition
□ Review obligations
□ Provide references policy
□ Get forwarding address
□ Update contact information
□ Thank for contributions
□ Maintain professionalism
□ Document discussion
□ Close relationship positively