So, it’s time. You have one more day in your office before leaving for a new destination. The feelings are mixed; on one hand, you are excited about the journey ahead, and on the other, you are a bit sad about leaving the organisation where you stayed for a long time. Relatable, right?
While a lot is happening on your last day of work, it is essential to understand what you must do and what you shouldn’t. On that note, let’s take you through the 10 things to do on your last day of work and a few things you shouldn’t do.
Key Takeaways: What to Do on Your Last Day of Work
- Dress professionally on your last day.
- Finish pending work and complete handovers.
- Return company property and clear personal files.
- Thank colleagues and exchange contact details.
- Stay positive and professional until you leave.
- Avoid criticising the company or leaving without notice.
A Quick Look at the Dos and Don’ts on Your Last Working Day
Dos | Don’ts |
Finish pending tasks | Don’t leave your work incomplete |
Hand over all the key documents | Don’t keep important information to yourself |
Return the company assets | Don’t keep company property |
Thank your team | Don’t leave without saying goodbye |
Attend the exit interview | Don’t argue or complain |
Clean your workspace | Don’t leave a mess |
Check the final paperworks | Don’t ignore the settlement details |
Stay professional | Don’t lose focus |
Send a farewell message | Don’t criticise the company |
The Things to Do on Your Last Day of Work
You may assume that the last day is completely yours and no one will ask you to work. That’s rarely the case. The last day at work is a crucial one and can make or break the company’s impression of you. Here’s the last day of work checklist prepared by experts from professional career services that you should follow:
1. Dress Well
It’s common to treat the last week as a casual one. However, don’t make the mistake of dressing too casually. Instead, dress to impress in that last week. Make sure you look like you are ready to work till the last minute of your stay in the organisation, maintaining last day at work etiquette. Not only will it help you focus on your work, but it will also create a good impression of you among your colleagues.
2. Clean Your Desk
You must clean your desk well before you leave, and by cleaning, we don’t mean only the desk on which your computer sits; we also mean the cupboard where you keep your things during office hours. Also, return the company property you have been using, like ID, badge, access pass, etc.
3. Complete All the Remaining Tasks
It is necessary to complete all your outstanding tasks before you say the final goodbye. Check your email to confirm whether any tasks remain. Make sure to complete each of them and pass them over to the dedicated team before you leave.
4. Keep Your Contacts
The last day at work doesn’t mean the last day to talk to your colleagues. You can exchange contact information to stay in touch with your colleagues. You will likely have built genuine friendships; don’t lose touch.
5. Wipe Your Digital Footprint
Review the content on your work laptop and clear it before you bid adieu to the organisation. Remove your personal files and sign out of personal accounts, but check your IT policy first, since company-owned devices often have rules about what you can delete.
6. Talk to the Colleagues Whose Work You Admire
There will be one or more colleagues whose work you admire. Ask them for some time and talk to them. Ask for career advice, what motivates them, and how you can make the most of the next opportunity. This helps make your professional network stronger.
7. Write Your Farewell Notes
The last day will be an emotional one. Take some time out from your work and write personalised last day of work messages to the people who have supported you and helped you through difficult times at work. If you can, share handwritten notes with each of them; it makes things more personal and has a lasting impact.
Example: It’s been a pleasure working alongside you. Thank you for your support and for making every challenge easier. Stay in touch, and all the best wishes for everything ahead.
8. Say Your Goodbyes
Don’t leave without saying goodbye to your colleagues, seniors, and others at the office. Though it’s a professional courtesy, it usually feels personal. The last handshake with colleagues with whom you have spent so much time might make you emotional. Try to hold yourself together at this time.
9. Complete the Exit Interview
An exit interview is usually a feedback conversation. Make sure to keep the review balanced. Do not criticise or blame someone; share your feedback and talk about the reason you are leaving the organisation.
10. Stay Calm if You Get a Farewell Party
Don’t let your guard down if you have a farewell party or a final meeting. Stay professional as you have always been and watch what you say during the meeting or the party.
You must leave your job on a good note. Also, make sure your CV is updated. CV writing services can help you bring everything up to date. The following section will take you through a few don’ts for your last day.
Things You Shouldn’t Do on Your Last Day at Work
There are a few things you need to keep in mind during your last day at work that you should avoid at all costs:
A. Don’t Badmouth the Company
Your experience at the company might not be good, which is fine. However, when you are leaving the job, do not badmouth the company or your manager. There is a chance that you will work with the same manager or a few of the employees in the future. Further, you will need a lot of paperwork after you leave.
B. Don’t Refuse to Work
It’s still a working day, so keep working as normal. You must not refuse to do your work. Instead, look at it as your last chance to create a good last impression. Reach the office on time, stay available during meetings, and complete your duties. Even the experts offering cover letter writing services insist that candidates do this.
C. Don’t Sneak Out Quietly
Avoid sneaking out quietly. Leaving without informing your manager or a team that’s mid-project is not professional.
D. Don’t Leave a Mess Behind
Do not leave behind a mess. Make sure to hand over shared drives, undocumented files, and folders that only you can access.
A Quick Checklist on the Things to Do before Leaving a Job
Job
Before we end the discussion, let’s take you through a quick checklist on the things to do before leaving a job:
- Review your employment contract and notice period
- Submit your resignation letter formally
- Confirm your last working day with your manager
- Inform the key stakeholders about your departure
- Create a plan for transition and handover
- Complete or document the ongoing projects
- Transfer responsibilities to teammates
- Finish all your pending tasks
- Use or plan the remaining leaves (if applicable)
- Discuss your final pay, reimbursements, and benefits with the HR department
- Ask for reference letters or LinkedIn recommendations
This will help in a smooth transition.
Endnote
How you leave should reflect how you worked. The last working day at the office carries a lot of emotions. Be it for someone who likes the company or someone with a lot of grievances, the feelings of leaving a job gracefully remain the same.
You need to understand the dos and don’ts and leave your current role on a positive note. There are nice things to do on your last day of work; don’t keep talking about how bad the company was on LinkedIn or any other platform after you leave.
Remember, you got the support you needed to stay on and work in that company. Move on with your career; leave your grievances behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do you get your P45 after leaving a job?
Ideally, you should get your P45 on your final day, or if that is not practically possible, without unreasonable delay. There is no strict deadline for it according to the law, but issuing it is a legal requirement. Generally, it arrives after your final pay has been processed. If it doesn’t arrive in a few weeks, contact your former employer’s payroll team, and then HMRC.
Do you have to work your full last day?
Generally, you have to work your full last day, unless you agree otherwise with your employer, or garden leave or payment in lieu of notice (PILON) applies.
Is an exit interview required on your last day?
Exit interviews are not a legal requirement, and you can decline. Some contracts reference them, so it’s worth checking yours. However, declining rarely carries consequences.
Are you entitled to holiday pay when leaving a job?
Yes. Under the Working Time Regulations 1998, you must be paid in lieu of any statutory holiday you have accrued but not taken by your leaving date, pro-rated to that date. If you have taken more leave than you had accrued, your employer may deduct the excess from your final pay, but only if your contract or a prior written agreement allows it.
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