Employee Termination Checklist

The success of any business depends on maintaining a skilled and productive workforce. Consistent human resources practices are an integral component in this. Any time an employee leaves the organization, savvy business owners and managers will create written documentation that describes the circumstances, offers the employee a chance for feedback about his or her experience in the organization, and details the collection of any company-owned items. This practice is an important component in protecting an organization from potential legal liability as well as allowing owners and managers to learn how they may continue to meet the needs of their employees in order to further improve the organization.

Utilizing a free, customizable employee termination checklist is a simple and cost-effective way to ensure that all property is returned and that all human resources functions are completed consistently and professionally every time an employee leaves the organization. Dotting I’s and crossing T’s has never been easier.

How to Use the Employee Termination Checklist

• The employee termination checklist is available for free on this page. Simply download the Microsoft Word template and it is ready to use.
• The template is also fully customizable. All fields can be easily modified to suit the individual needs of unique organizations.
• After download and customization (if desired) the checklist can be printed and used any time an employee leaves the organization. Its easy-to-use interface ensures that nothing is missed and that the process is transparent and professional.
• After completed, the checklist and related documentation should be stored in the ex-employee’s personnel file, contingent upon federal and state employment laws.

Tips for Using the Employee Termination Checklist

• Make sure to always include the employee’s name, the date, and the supervisor’s signature. This is pivotal in proving “who,” “when,” and “what” in the unfortunate instance of a legal challenge.
• It is a good idea to have the employee sign the employee termination checklist as well. This establishes his or her acknowledgement that the checked items were completed.
• Customize the template to meet the specific needs of the organization. Add items that suit the needs of the organization and delete those that don’t.

Employees come and go over time. Clearly documenting what happened, when it happened, and why it happened is an important record-keeping obligation. Using the free, easy-to-use, customizable Microsoft Word template will make that process smooth and easy to manage.

Download: Employee Termination Checklist