What to Do When a Former Remote Employee Doesn't Return Their Work Laptop

As more companies transition to remote work, providing laptops to employees has become a common practice. However, employees may not always return their work laptop when they leave the organization. This can pose a security risk for the company, as the former employee may still have access to sensitive information. In this blog post, we'll explore what to do when a remote employee doesn't return their work laptop after leaving the organization.

Contact the Employee:

The first step is to try to contact the employee and ask them to return the laptop. Send an email, make a phone call, and if possible, send a physical letter to the employee's address on file. You can also try contacting them through their social media accounts or any other means of communication you have on file. If you're unable to get in touch with the employee, consider reaching out to their emergency contact.

Notify HR and IT:

Notify the human resources department and the IT department of the situation. HR can take steps to revoke the former employee's access to company systems, while IT can take measures to wipe the laptop or track its location remotely. These measures can prevent the employee from accessing sensitive data or applications on the laptop. If you have a remote device management system in place, you can use it to locate and wipe the laptop remotely.

Consult Legal Counsel:

Depending on the circumstances, you may need to consult legal counsel to ensure that you follow proper procedures and protect the company's interests. Legal counsel can advise you on the appropriate steps to take and help you draft a legal notice demanding the laptop's return.

Consider Filing a Police Report:

If the laptop is not returned, you may need to consider filing a police report. This will establish a record of the theft or loss of the laptop and may aid in its recovery. You can also contact your local district attorney's office or FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) to report the theft and seek their assistance in recovering the laptop.

Implement Policies to Prevent Future Incidents:

To prevent similar incidents from occurring, consider implementing policies requiring employees to sign an agreement upon receiving a company laptop. The agreement should outline the employee's responsibilities, including returning the laptop upon leaving the organization. You can also include a clause in the agreement that specifies the penalties for non-compliance, such as legal action or termination of employment.

Prepare for the Worst-Case Scenario:

In some cases, the laptop may never be recovered. In such cases, you'll need to take steps to protect the company's data and assets. This may involve changing passwords, revoking access to systems and applications, and transferring data to a new device. You can also conduct a thorough investigation to determine the extent of the data breach and take measures to prevent similar incidents.

When a remote employee doesn't return their work laptop after leaving the organization, it's essential to take swift action to protect the company's data and assets. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can minimize the risk of data breaches and ensure that your organization remains secure. Remember to document all communication with the employee and seek legal counsel if necessary. With the right policies and procedures, you can prevent future incidents and protect your company's interests.