I'm curious to hear how other organizations approach the retrieval of hardware from departing employees. On a scale of 1 to 10, how vigilant is your company about tracking and reclaiming hardware assets like laptops and monitors? For context, a score of 1 would mean only requiring the return of devices that may contain confidential information. For example, my current organization is around a 3, as we do ask for items back but usually take their word if they claim they don't have them. We only keep track of devices that connect to the network. I've worked at places where they scrutinized inventory records and sent people to collect items. What's the typical experience at your workplaces?
5 Answers
On our end, we ask for laptops and docks, with a stern warning that if you don’t bring them back, we’ll deduct costs from your pay. But honestly? Most other stuff we don't bother with. It's just not worth it.
Honestly, it’s a 1 for me. My last employer didn’t even bother to track most equipment. It feels like people just walk off with things and no one cares.
Yeah, it’s surprising how laid back some companies are about this! You’d think there would be some accountability.
We care most about the laptops. If someone keeps one, we usually just wipe it and that’s the end. Older devices are honestly just not worth our time.
Exactly! It’s more about maintaining productivity than chasing down old stuff that nobody wants.
Mobile devices are a whole different story! We want those back because of data security, but monitors and peripherals? Not a chance. Those are basically gifts after you quit, ha!
Haha, yeah! I definitely don't want someone else's used mouse. Yikes!
And let’s be real, who wants to handle someone else’s germ-y headset?
We pretty much just ask for the laptop and docking station back, everything else is fair game to keep. Monitors can be expensive, and we usually don’t bother chasing them.
Totally agree. We only really care about the laptop too. If it’s old, we’re more interested in upgrading than chasing gear back.
Same here! Just the laptop and dock for us. Everything else is just too much hassle to track.
Sending pay deductions for equipment sounds intense! Must keep people on their toes, though.