Employee Offboarding Checklist

An employee offboarding checklist (also referred to as employee exit or separation checklist) helps ensure that the end of employment process is handled consistently, securely, and professionally. It supports a smooth transition for both the organization and the departing employee while helping reduce operational and compliance risks.

This checklist is designed for anyone managing an employee exit, resignation, or separation. It focuses on clear, task-based steps that can be adapted to different roles, team sizes, and global work environments.

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Employee offboarding is more than a last working day checklist. A structured offboarding process helps ensure that payroll, documents, access, and follow-up steps are completed consistently after an employee exits. Clear post-employment handling reduces misunderstandings, protects internal systems, and supports a professional, respectful separation.

Who this is for

Small businesses managing employee exits
HR teams handling resignations or terminations
Managers responsible for staff transitions
Founders overseeing end-of-employment processes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an offboarding checklist?

An offboarding checklist is a structured list of tasks used to manage the employee exit process from resignation or termination through post-employment follow-up.

When should the offboarding process start?

Offboarding should begin as soon as an employee resignation, termination, or contract end is confirmed, not on the last working day.

Does offboarding only apply to resignations?

No. Offboarding applies to resignations, layoffs, contract endings, and any form of employee separation.

What should happen after an employee's final paycheck is issued?

After an employee leaves, it's good practice to confirm they received their final paycheck and all required documents, such as pay stubs, benefits notices, or tax forms. A short follow-up a few weeks after the exit helps prevent disputes and reinforces goodwill.

How does offboarding relate to HR compliance?

Offboarding supports HR compliance by ensuring payroll, access control, documentation, and record retention steps are completed correctly.

Next step

For more HR processes, see our HR compliance checklist.