{"id":32248,"date":"2025-08-06T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/?p=32248"},"modified":"2025-08-05T09:57:05","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T13:57:05","slug":"offboarding-best-practices","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/offboarding-best-practices\/","title":{"rendered":"Employee offboarding best practices"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/category\/people-leadership\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">People &amp; Leadership<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tEmployee offboarding best practices\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2025-08-06T09:00:00-04:00\">August 6, 2025<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"Employee offboarding best practices\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/offboarding-best-practices\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/author\/joechurchwoods\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/05\/Joe-Yard-2-crop-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"Joe Church Woods\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Joe Church Woods<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Each workplace leaves a lasting impression\u2014shaping careers, building relationships, and teaching valuable lessons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When an employee leaves, you have one final chance to reinforce that impression, ideally with respect and positivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A thoughtful offboarding process shows appreciation for the employee\u2019s contribution while also protecting your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It helps you manage the formal steps of the process, support remaining staff through the change, and maintain a strong culture.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read on to discover how structured offboarding helps you part ways professionally\u2014and why it matters more than you might think.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here&#8217;s what we&#8217;ll cover:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-the-meaning-of-offboarding-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">What is the meaning of offboarding?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-why-is-the-employee-offboarding-process-important-for-people-managers-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">Why is the employee offboarding process important for people managers?&nbsp;<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-protecting-your-data-and-systems\" data-level=\"3\">Protecting your data and systems<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-preserving-your-reputation-and-brand\" data-level=\"3\">Preserving your reputation and brand<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-supporting-smoother-transitions-for-teams\" data-level=\"3\">Supporting smoother transitions for teams<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-gathering-useful-feedback\" data-level=\"3\">Gathering useful feedback<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-reducing-legal-and-compliance-risks\" data-level=\"3\">Reducing legal and compliance risks<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-step-by-step-offboarding-checklist-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">Step-by-step offboarding checklist&nbsp;<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-1-formally-acknowledge-the-change\" data-level=\"3\">1. Formally acknowledge the change<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-2-notify-relevant-departments\" data-level=\"3\">2. Notify relevant departments<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-3-agree-on-a-handover-plan\" data-level=\"3\">3. Agree on a handover plan<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-4-schedule-an-exit-interview\" data-level=\"3\">4. Schedule an exit interview<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-5-revoke-access-and-recover-assets-nbsp\" data-level=\"3\">5. Revoke access and recover assets &nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-6-finalize-payroll-and-benefits-documents\" data-level=\"3\">6. Finalize payroll and benefits documents<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-7-update-hr-records\" data-level=\"3\">7. Update HR records<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-8-say-goodbye-professionally\" data-level=\"3\">8. Say goodbye professionally<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-using-offboarding-surveys-and-questionnaires-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">Using offboarding surveys and questionnaires&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-common-offboarding-mistakes-to-avoid-nbsp-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">Common offboarding mistakes to avoid&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-to-improve-your-hr-offboarding-process-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">How to improve your HR offboarding process&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-final-thoughts-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">Final thoughts&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#gate-7eb80e5b-8bd0-40e7-be54-c8adc4116b3e\">Download your free copy of \u201cThe ultimate guide to choosing HR software&#8221;<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-the-meaning-of-offboarding-nbsp\">What is the meaning of offboarding?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Employee offboarding is the structured process you follow when someone leaves your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It ties up loose ends and ensures the departing person leaves on good terms.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Offboarding covers everything from formal notice to the employee\u2019s final day and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It has a role in voluntary resignations, contract completions, retirements\u2014and also involuntary exits such as layoffs or terminations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It includes tasks that are often overlooked, such as revoking system access and completing legal documentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You also need to finalize paperwork such as final pay statements, benefits information, and any reference letters that the employee will need.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But it\u2019s not just about ticking off practicalities\u2014there\u2019s an important human side to an offboarding policy too.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A colleague\u2019s departure can affect team morale and disrupt their sense of stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If handled poorly, it may cause your remaining staff to question their own future or feel undervalued.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The process also reflects on your corporate culture\u2014how you treat leavers is part of your company\u2019s identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And while future hires may not know the person who left, they do look at reviews, speak to current staff, and sense the values of your organization.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When offboarding is thoughtful, it sends a strong message about respect, transparency, and professionalism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That can turn leavers into long-term advocates and help attract the right talent in future.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-is-the-employee-offboarding-process-important-for-people-managers-nbsp\">Why is the employee offboarding process important for people managers?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A strong offboarding policy helps protect your business and supports your team by keeping workloads balanced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It prevents confusion and leaves the door open for future opportunities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s why it matters:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-protecting-your-data-and-systems\">Protecting your data and systems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Offboarding ensures access to company platforms is revoked and corporate property\u2014such as phones and laptops\u2014is returned, reducing security risks.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-preserving-your-reputation-and-brand\">Preserving your reputation and brand<strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A positive exit experience makes former employees more likely to speak well of you, recommend your business, and possibly even return as clients or partners.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-supporting-smoother-transitions-for-teams\">Supporting smoother transitions for teams<strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Offboarding guides effective handovers, reduces disruption, and helps others adapt when someone leaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This keeps the team focused, lowers stress, and maintains momentum.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-gathering-useful-feedback\">Gathering useful feedback<strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Exit interviews and surveys provide valuable insights to improve employee retention, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/hr-leadership-work-culture\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">workplace culture<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/human-resources\/talent-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">talent management<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These insights can shape how you hire, train, and support future staff.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-reducing-legal-and-compliance-risks\">Reducing legal and compliance risks<strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Offboarding ensures final pay statements, tax documents, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/workplace-benefits-employee-experiences\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">benefits information<\/a>, and employment records are completed correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Failure to do so can lead to fines or disputes with the IRS, retirement plan providers, or regulatory bodies such as the EEOC or DOL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-by-step-offboarding-checklist-nbsp\">Step-by-step offboarding checklist&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A standardized offboarding policy ensures that you handle an employee\u2019s departure fairly and professionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow these steps for a consistent and respectful transition every time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-formally-acknowledge-the-change\">1. Formally acknowledge the change<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether it\u2019s a resignation or the end of a contract, confirm the final working day in writing and begin internal planning straight away.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-notify-relevant-departments\">2. Notify relevant departments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Let payroll, line managers, and facilities or office management know so they can begin their part of the process\u2014like updating schedules, processing final pay, and preparing the workspace for handover.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-agree-on-a-handover-plan\">3. Agree on a handover plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Work with the employee to document key tasks, project statuses, and any critical knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, colleagues may need instructions on client contacts, systems they manage, or deadlines to cover.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-schedule-an-exit-interview\">4. Schedule an exit interview<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Give the employee an opportunity to share honest feedback in a respectful and structured setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a useful time to reflect and gather insights for improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-revoke-access-and-recover-assets-nbsp\">5. Revoke access and recover assets &nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Disable system access, collect laptops, phones, ID badges, and company credit cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This protects your data and ensures company property is returned.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-finalize-payroll-and-benefits-documents\">6. Finalize payroll and benefits documents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Prepare the final pay statement, including outstanding vacation pay, tax documents, and 401(k) information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These details are important for the employee and their next employer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-update-hr-records\">7. Update HR records<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Record the departure in your HR system, archive necessary documents, and ensure everything is stored securely for compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-say-goodbye-professionally\">8. Say goodbye professionally<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Send a thank you message or hold a short farewell, depending on your company culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It shows appreciation and brings closure, while keeping the team involved in the transition.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-using-offboarding-surveys-and-questionnaires-nbsp\">Using offboarding surveys and questionnaires&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The above point about exit interviews warrants closer attention.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a structured offboarding questionnaire, you can gather consistent feedback and compare responses over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That sets you up to spot trends and then take appropriate action.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Questions can be open or closed\u2014in other words, they might ask for detailed opinions or simple yes\/no answers.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A typical open question could be \u201cWhat could we improve?\u201d, while a closed question might be \u201cDid you feel supported in your role?\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Focus on broad themes such as management, culture, and the tools provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These areas affect everyone, while topics like salary or vacation allowance tend to be more personal.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your offboarding survey is anonymous, you&#8217;re more likely to receive honest and constructive feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This information can shape your future onboarding, training, and retention strategies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most HR platforms let you automate these surveys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They send reminders, collect responses, and generate reports you can use to drive change.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#gate-7eb80e5b-8bd0-40e7-be54-c8adc4116b3e\">Download your free copy of \u201cThe ultimate guide to choosing HR software&#8221;<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-common-offboarding-mistakes-to-avoid-nbsp-nbsp\">Common offboarding mistakes to avoid&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even with a structured offboarding process in place, things can still go wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s easy to assume everything is covered once you follow a checklist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But oversights, delays, or poor communication can cause real damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Failing to act quickly when someone resigns can delay planning and unsettle the team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If handovers are rushed or unclear, tasks may be missed and clients left in the dark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Forgetting to revoke access on time can leave systems vulnerable, even if it\u2019s unintentional.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Missing key documentation can lead to compliance issues, especially with final pay and tax reporting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And if the exit interview feels like a box-ticking exercise, you might miss important feedback. Make it more of a conversation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, treating offboarding as purely procedural\u2014without care or personal connection\u2014can harm morale, your culture, and how ex-employees talk about your business later.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-improve-your-hr-offboarding-process-nbsp\">How to improve your HR offboarding process&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>HR software can take your offboarding to the next level.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It helps you automate emails, admin tasks, and reminders so nothing slips through the cracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can store templates for letters, checklists, and surveys, then adapt them for each employee.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you don\u2019t have to start from scratch each time, you save time and reduce errors.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It may seem strange to talk about automation in a context that involves personal connection, but smart tools can support\u2014not replace\u2014the human side.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You stay people-first by never forgetting thank you notes, personal check-ins, and opportunities for open feedback.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>HR platforms also let you track key metrics, such as survey response rates, satisfaction scores, and handover completion.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over time, this data highlights what\u2019s working and what needs to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By removing repetitive admin, software gives you more time to focus on the people behind the process.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-thoughts-nbsp\">Final thoughts&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When employees leave with a good final impression and fond memories of your company it\u2019s a win for your brand and your people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When done well, the offboarding process shows respect, supports your team, and builds loyalty.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also a sign of a mature business that values process and people equally.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the right tools, you can simplify and scale this across your team.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Good <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/human-resources\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HR software<\/a> supports offboarding workflows with templates, checklists, and automated tasks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It helps you close the loop in a way that establishes a reputation for compliance and care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Assessing the value of HR tech: Going beyond the numbers<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Discover how true return on investment is really about the value your chosen HR platform can deliver. Not just for you in HR, but for the business and your employees. <\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-f9c7450d-63fb-4396-b4a2-b27cda8f6c90\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Download your free guide<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/01\/GettyImages-1171809453-1440x810-1.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"two people working on a computer\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/01\/GettyImages-1171809453-1440x810-1.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to our Sage Advice Newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get our latest business advice delivered directly to your inbox.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-ab515c6e-7e90-4c2f-a67e-113872516e8b\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Working from home with tea in hand\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An employee departure brings a chapter to a close, but it\u2019s unwise to move on without taking stock. Offboarding takes care of the final adjustments and logistics.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1847,"featured_media":28258,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[195,116,17,166,253,34,155],"business_type":[40,41],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[99,98,96,97],"imagine_tag":[465,413,233,230],"coauthors":[592],"class_list":["post-32248","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-people-leadership","tag-boss-your-business","tag-compliance","tag-hr-payroll","tag-hr-software","tag-performance","tag-small-business","tag-staying-competitive","business_type-small-business","business_type-growing-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-us","author_name":"Joe Church Woods","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/02\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0453.PNG-Web.jpg","imagine_tags":{"465":"HR","413":"Human Resources","233":"Medium Businesses","230":"Small business"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice US","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32248","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/1847"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32248"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32248\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/28258"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32248"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32248"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32248"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=32248"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=32248"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=32248"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=32248"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=32248"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=32248"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=32248"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}