Resignation Checklist: 10 Things to Do Before Quitting

Read each state’s final paycheck law so you can comply with confidence. You need a resignation in writing so you can add it to the employee’s personnel file. The resignation letter documents that the employee initiated the termination and that it was not because of any disciplinary action. Typically the resignation letter includes the employee’s intent to leave, the intent to give two weeks’ notice, and the employee’s last day.

The resignation process: What to do when employees leave

Final pay means all wages, including regular pay, overtime, bonuses and commission that an employee earned through their last day of employment. Final pay may also include unused vacation time, depending on the state. Severance is an additional payment that is paid to employees, sometimes on their final paycheck or in the following months, as per the agreement between the employer and employee. It is usually paid in the case of a termination, layoff or as part of a union agreement, but it is not required by federal or state laws.

State laws differ, but usually, an employer can make federal and state mandatory deductions from your final paycheck. Once an employee has resigned (and once you have reacted appropriately), you should follow your company’s standard resignation procedures. For most businesses, the employee exit process checklist should include the following steps. Turnover can be costly, and exit interviews are one way to find out why employees are leaving. To encourage candor, consider asking a neutral party to conduct the interview rather than a direct supervisor. Based on feedback that you receive, consider what changes you can make to the work environment.

Some federal workers get 2nd chance to resign with pay and benefits through September

However, depending on the specific circumstances and state wage deduction laws, an employer may be permitted to deduct the cost of equipment from a non-exempt employee’s final paycheck. Some states only allow these types of deductions if the employer has prior written consent from the employee, while others may require an advance notice period as well. For example, California requires employers to pay all wages immediately after involuntary termination.

Simplify Your Letter Writing with Legal Templates

About a year ago, one of my employees left the company pretty suddenly. Since she was the only one who knew how to work that software—we were in big trouble. When an employee resigns, it can blindside a smoothly running team. Leaders can feel hurt, even betrayed, by the resignation of a longtime employee.

To notify other employees about an employee’s resignation, start by telling the employee’s own department about the employee’s resignation. Perhaps call a quick meeting and inform the other employees that the employee’s last day is in two weeks. These assigned replacement employees also need to see a list of the goals and responsibilities for which the position is responsible.

  • However, if you burned bridges or left without notice, don’t expect to be welcomed with open arms (or at all).
  • Insightful and practical workplace advice from career expert Alison Green.
  • She says she never received any written notification of her rejection.
  • Check out our current job openings, consider your career options, and apply for a position that fits your skills and goals.

Think about your reasons for leaving

There’s no need to go into excessive detail—keeping it brief yet supportive helps maintain goodwill. Recruiters aren’t exactly spilling the beans on being overworked or underpaid in the interview process. Maybe the responsibilities don’t match the job description, or the company culture isn’t what you were led to believe. If you find yourself struggling to see a future in the role, it’s okay to step away before investing more time and energy. The key is to keep your explanation short and polite — there’s no need to over-explain or apologize excessively (you’re not doing anything wrong).

  • She added that HR can ensure compliance by meeting the strictest AI standards, which will be in Colorado’s upcoming AI law.
  • So, go into the exit interview with an open mind, and try to use whatever they tell you to make your business better.
  • Turnover can be costly, and exit interviews are one way to find out why employees are leaving.
  • On the other hand, if the worker is of value, you can come to an agreement of an extended notice period (if they agree, of course) to ensure a smooth transition.

Resign in person or over a video call if you can, and follow up with a short, polite resignation letter. Keep your explanation simple and professional — no need to go into too much detail. Express gratitude for the opportunity, and if possible, offer to help with the transition. Leaving on good terms ensures you don’t burn bridges and keeps your reputation intact. Employees are not obliged to resign just because their employer requests it. Under Hong Kong’s Ordinance Act, employees have the right to resign at any time by serving the required notice or paying compensation in lieu of notice.

Prioritizing your career growth and well-being is more important than sticking it out just for appearances. Is it the job, the work environment, or just the discomfort of starting something new? Sometimes, the “new job jitters” can feel like a bad fit, but that feeling can fade with time.

Mary moved on mentally when she started looking for a new job or when she determined the personal response necessary in her life situation. The time to identify and solve any problems she may have experienced is before Mary started looking for a new job. In most cases, you will ask the resigning employee to write a formal resignation letter with their final date of employment stated. This letter protects you from unemployment claims and other charges of impropriety. The IT professionals in your organization have the important job of keeping the company secure. It’s possible that your company has a resignation policy that requires that the employee leaves immediately after the resignation is announced.

Exit Interview

You could also arrange a cake and some drinks if the employee hasn’t already arranged something outside of working hours. “Failing to acknowledge an employee’s departure and his or her contributions sends a bad message to your team,” says Lechner. Following on from the previous point, you can decide whether you want your staff member to work their full notice period or if you’re open to make an agreement and release them early. Such technology is already a part of many workplaces and will continue to shape the labor market and HR. Here’s how employers and employees can successfully manage generative AI and other AI-powered systems.

Final paycheck and cashing out benefits

There are specific steps that employers need to take when an employee resigns. In the state of California, the final paycheck must be paid within 72 hours of quitting. Paycom’s payroll software ensures your people get paid accurately and on time — every time. And with our Employee Self-Service® software, you can allow terminated employees to view certain information in a limited view, including pay stubs, tax forms and the date of their final paycheck.

The second item to address is the what to do when employee resigns documentation that will go in the employee’s file. A paper form may have underlines and/or boxes to allow for signatures, initials, dates, and checkmarks to make sure each item has been covered. Alternatively, it may be first prepared as a computer form, for example in Excel or Word, and printed out after it has been completed. Checklists may be found online, for example from HR organizations and chambers of commerce as well as vendors. It may be worthwhile to pay for a checklist that has already been prepared and reviewed.

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