Return of Company Property Policy

If your employment with the company terminates, for any reason, you must promptly return to the Company all confidential documents and other materials that you have. You are not permitted to retain copies of any such documents or materials.

In addition, keys, sales promotional materials, lists, software and all other tools an employee would use should be returned. Upon acceptance of employment, some departments require new employees to sign an agreement to return tools or be charged the replacement cost for a new tool from their last paycheck or as a separate invoice billed to their home. An employee has 10 days to return and /or pay for tools that are not returned.

Drafting Considerations

The following is background commentary for whoever is drafting or reviewing this policy -- not part of the operative policy above, and not something to publish as a rule employees are bound by.

Whether an employer may deduct the cost of unreturned property from wages or a final paycheck is governed by state wage-payment law and varies significantly by state. Some states prohibit such deductions outright, others require a signed written agreement authorizing the specific deduction, and most restrict withholding or delaying a final paycheck to force return of property. Before deducting replacement costs from pay, confirm the requirement is in a signed written agreement and consult counsel or the state labor agency for the employee's work state.