Termination of Employment Checklist

Employee: [Name] · Last Day: [Date] · Reason: [Voluntary/Involuntary/Layoff]

Before the Meeting

[ ] Documentation of performance/conduct issues reviewed (for cause terminations) [ ] Final pay calculated, including accrued PTO per state law [ ] Termination meeting scheduled with HR present, plus a witness if appropriate [ ] Severance/separation agreement prepared, if applicable

During the Meeting

[ ] Reason for termination communicated clearly and respectfully [ ] Final pay details and timing explained [ ] Benefits continuation (COBRA notice) explained [ ] Return of company property arranged (laptop, keys, badge, phone) [ ] Any separation agreement presented, with time to review before signing

Immediately After

[ ] System access revoked (email, VPN, building access, software licenses) [ ] Final paycheck issued per state-required timing (some states require same-day payment) [ ] COBRA election notice sent within required timeframe [ ] Unemployment insurance forms/response prepared, if contested

Documentation

[ ] Termination reason and date documented in personnel file [ ] Exit interview conducted (if applicable, for voluntary departures) [ ] Team/company notified per communication plan

Follow-Up

[ ] Final expense reimbursements processed [ ] Any equity/benefits vesting confirmed and communicated [ ] Reference request policy communicated to relevant managers

*This document is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Several states require final pay to be issued immediately or within a very short window (sometimes the SAME day for an involuntary termination) — missing that specific state deadline can trigger its own separate penalty, independent of anything else about the termination itself.*