What is employee clearance?

Employee clearance, also known as Full and Final Settlement (FNF), is a process that occurs when an employee resigns, is terminated, or retires from their job. It ensures that the employee settles all company-related matters before departing.

Employee clearance is a systematic procedure that verifies an employee has fulfilled all obligations before leaving the organization. This process involves obtaining clearance from various departments like Finance, Administration, and HR. It includes settling financial dues, returning company assets, and ensuring the employee has no pending obligations. Hereā€™s a comprehensive look at the employee clearance process:

Why is employee clearance important?

Employee clearance is crucial for both the employer and the employee. For the employer, it ensures that all company property is returned and that financial matters are settled, which helps avoid legal or financial disputes.

For the employee, it provides a formal confirmation that all dues have been cleared and company property returned, which is important for future employment or legal purposes.

Employee clearance procedure

  1. Acceptance of Resignation: The clearance process begins once the resignation is accepted. The employee must hand over company assets, such as laptops and keys, and transfer their knowledge to a replacement if one is available.
  2. Asset and Knowledge Transfer: The employee returns all tangible assets in their original condition. They also share important documents and knowledge with their team or department head if they have not yet found a replacement.
  3. Clearance from Departments: Various departments, including IT, Admin, and HR, must approve the clearance. This includes recovering IT assets, closing accounts, and settling any cafeteria or other departmental dues.
  4. Final Settlement: After all approvals, HR gives a relieving letter to the employee, finalizing their departure from the company.

Employee clearance certificate

An Employee Clearance Certificate is issued when an employee leaves the company, either because of resignation, transfer, or retirement. This certificate confirms that the employee has cleared all dues and returned all company assets. It also serves as proof that the employee is no longer associated with the company, which can be useful for securing new employment.

Employee clearance checklist

A comprehensive clearance checklist ensures that all necessary tasks are completed:

  1. Communication: Inform the employeeā€™s manager and team about the resignation. Notify relevant departments to start the clearance process.
  2. Knowledge Transfer: Schedule meetings with the replacement if available. Provide training and share critical contacts, sensitive information, and resources.
  3. Asset Recovery: Collect all company property such as laptops, keys, and access cards. Update IT permissions and close accounts.
  4. Documentation: Make sure the resignation letter is signed. Give the employee documents like non-disclosure agreements. Also, tell them about possible benefits they can claim, such as the Provident Fund (PF).
  5. Final Settlement: Prepare and provide the experience letter, employee clearance certificate, and full and final settlement documents.

Employee clearance letter sample

Hereā€™s a sample of an employee clearance letter:

DD/MM/YYYY
[Authority Name]
[Job Position]
[Department]
[Company Name]

Subject: Clearance Letter

To Whom It May Concern,

[Employee Name] has worked with [Company Name] in [Department Name] for [Tenure]. They have cleared all dues and obligations during their notice period and have been formally relieved from their services. [Employee Name] has no remaining obligations with [Company Name].

Best Regards,
[Your Name]
[Department Name]

Conclusion

Employee clearance is a vital process for ensuring a smooth transition when an employee exits a company. Employees need to check that they have returned all company items and resolved any financial issues. The company has properly documented that the employee is no longer associated with the company. A good clearance process helps the organization and the leaving employee have a smooth and organized departure. In addition to clearance, conducting an employee exit survey is a great way to gather valuable feedback and insights from departing employees.