Termination is the highest risk action in HR. Executed poorly and it creates legal exposure, reputational damage, and operational disruption. This two-part template gives you both the written Separation Policy (covering all separation types, final pay, COBRA, property return, and more) and the operational Termination Checklist (a step-by-step guide for every separation from pre-approval through post-termination administration). This is the template you reach for when it matters most.
What's Included:
• Part 1- Separation Policy: covers voluntary resignation, retirement, involuntary termination, layoff/RIF, and end of contract
• Final pay guidance with state law variation callout box
• COBRA, benefits continuation, and retirement plan sections
• Confidentiality obligations and post-employment restrictions
• References and employment verification policy
• Separation agreements and OWBPA protections for employees over 40
• Part 2- Termination Checklist: pre-termination approval and documentation tasks
• Six-step termination meeting guide with sample language
• Final pay breakdown table
• Post-termination property, access, payroll, benefits, and administrative checklists
• Company property return log with checkboxes
• Three-party separation sign-off block
• Editable Word (.docx) + polished PDF
This template is right for you if:
• You have never terminated an employee and want to make sure you do it right
• You have had a termination go poorly and want a documented process going forward
• You want protection against wrongful termination claims through consistent documentation
• You need a complete separation policy to include in your Employee Handbook
Delivered as an editable Word document (.docx) and a polished PDF, both included in a single download. All fields are clearly marked with [bracketed placeholders] for easy customization.
Created by a SHRM-SCP certified HR executive with 15+ years of experience in global organizations. Designed for US-based employers. Please review with your HR or legal counsel before distributing to employees.
Termination is the highest risk action in HR. Executed poorly and it creates legal exposure, reputational damage, and operational disruption. This two-part template gives you both the written Separation Policy (covering all separation types, final pay, COBRA, property return, and more) and the operational Termination Checklist (a step-by-step guide for every separation from pre-approval through post-termination administration). This is the template you reach for when it matters most.
What's Included:
• Part 1- Separation Policy: covers voluntary resignation, retirement, involuntary termination, layoff/RIF, and end of contract
• Final pay guidance with state law variation callout box
• COBRA, benefits continuation, and retirement plan sections
• Confidentiality obligations and post-employment restrictions
• References and employment verification policy
• Separation agreements and OWBPA protections for employees over 40
• Part 2- Termination Checklist: pre-termination approval and documentation tasks
• Six-step termination meeting guide with sample language
• Final pay breakdown table
• Post-termination property, access, payroll, benefits, and administrative checklists
• Company property return log with checkboxes
• Three-party separation sign-off block
• Editable Word (.docx) + polished PDF
This template is right for you if:
• You have never terminated an employee and want to make sure you do it right
• You have had a termination go poorly and want a documented process going forward
• You want protection against wrongful termination claims through consistent documentation
• You need a complete separation policy to include in your Employee Handbook
Delivered as an editable Word document (.docx) and a polished PDF, both included in a single download. All fields are clearly marked with [bracketed placeholders] for easy customization.
Created by a SHRM-SCP certified HR executive with 15+ years of experience in global organizations. Designed for US-based employers. Please review with your HR or legal counsel before distributing to employees.