Offboarding Mistakes Cost Your Company Thousands
- My IT Retrieval Team
- Jul 25
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 28
When it comes to offboarding remote employees, there’s one recurring challenge companies face: Getting the company’s equipment back.
In this recent video, Mackenzie Perry—Managing Director at Alucid Solutions—breaks down why IT asset retrieval is one of the most overlooked yet critical pieces of IT lifecycle management.
Which brings us to the big question many companies ask: Can we withhold or deduct a final paycheck for unreturned equipment?
Know the Law Before You Deduct
That the answer varies by state, and employers should be extremely careful here. Some states allow deductions for unreturned company property—but others don’t. In some cases, you could end up violating labor laws and facing penalties just for trying to protect your assets.
Always consult your state’s labor laws before making any payroll deductions.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Company
Here are top recommendations to avoid problems before they start:
Use a Signed Asset Policy Agreement Form
Get this signed during onboarding, not after the fact. It clearly outlines what devices are issued, who’s responsible, and what happens if they’re not returned.
[Download Company Asset Policy Template]
Have a Solid IT Asset Management System
This helps you track what was assigned to each employee and what’s been returned. If there’s ever a dispute, you have clear documentation.
Update Your Employee Handbook
Include policies around device responsibility, return deadlines, and consequences. A strong policy is your first defense against confusion or legal trouble.
Provide a Departing Employee Checklist: Company Property Return & Final Paycheck
HR should provide departing employees with a checklist that include every piece of IT equipment that needs to be returned, along with instructions for how and when.
[Download Offboarding Checklist Template]
Final Thoughts
Offboarding is your last opportunity to protect your company’s data and assets. The smoother your process, the fewer headaches down the road. Clear communication, proper documentation, and a proactive strategy are key.
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