Here’s a checklist on what to do in the last week of your employment. (However you must consult your HR department or your manager first to find out if the company has written policies / separation guidelines).
The following is the general protocol to follow when you’ve made the decision to call it quits:
- Submit letter of resignation in written (hard copy) or through Email (or both). Consult your manager or HR personnel to find out the formal process that your company follows. Add effective date which usually is two week minimum. Make sure that this date is agreed upon by your supervisor. If circumstances be such that you do not wish to inform your boss, giving a 2 week notice is usually the norm. You must also request an agreement in writing from your boss – confirming he has received and agrees to the resignation request and process hereafter.
- Submit all corporate documents, software and machines (computer, additional hard disk etc.). These will be required for a formal sign off. Contact the IT department to know till when you can use use computer/laptop and other equipment. This is also the right time to transfer and back-up our personal documents that reside on official computers. Keep in mind that the proprietary material must not be copied or taken home.
- Shred all confidential papers (copies) that might be lying around and which you no longer need. If there are some other official documents and books that can/must be returned to your supervisor, library or HR; do so now. Request receipts or online check-off for all returns.
- Contact the benefits office or your HR department to know about post-employment benefits. You may be eligible for unemployment insurance, find out more about it from your HR personnel.
- Check if you have filled in your expense report, now is the time to verify and submit balances.
- Check your time card. Are there any vacation payouts that you can request? You are usually paid for any accumulated vacation leave earned through your last day at work. Usually this is well taken care of by the HR department but doesn’t harm to double check.
- Request the HR to place a forwarding message at your official phone number or email, if you want to. They might also add information on who could be contacted once you are not on job.
- Any credit cards or official vehicles you have been using must be turned.
- Return any parking gate cards or permits.
Other than these items on the checklist you might also be worried about your 401(K). What happens to my 401(K) when I leave my job? There is some good information around which you can refer to and it’s worth every minute spent on the research – so do it well. Here are some good tips on this topic:
Losing healthcare benefits (if you avail through your company) is also a major cause of concern. Get good tips at the dol.gov website about what you must know about health coverage for you and your family if you lose your job or quit.
Also see what all you must do on the last day at work – this post has some relevant tips on what else you must during your last week/day at work.
Question: What has been your experience when signing off from your last job?