What Documents Should You Save Before Your Last Day?
A practical checklist of what you're legally allowed to keep — and what you need immediately for job applications, unemployment, and severance review.
Your access to company systems can be cut off immediately when a layoff happens. Knowing what to save and what you are legally permitted to keep is one of the most time-sensitive tasks in the process.
Act Before Your Access Is Revoked
At many companies, IT access is terminated at the moment of a layoff notification — sometimes within the hour. If you have received any signal that a layoff may be coming, prioritize saving your permitted personal documents now, before anything is formally announced.
What You Are Generally Permitted to Keep
You can typically keep documents related to your own employment: pay stubs, your offer letter, compensation agreements, equity grant letters, performance reviews you received, your benefits summary, and any personal documents you brought to the role. These are your records of your own employment relationship.
Professional Contacts and Network
Export your LinkedIn connections and save any professional contacts you have built through personal channels. You cannot typically take company contact lists or client databases — but contacts you developed through your own professional network are yours. Do this through LinkedIn's data export feature, which delivers a CSV of your connections.
Benefits and Insurance Documentation
Locate your benefits guide, health insurance card, open enrollment documents, and any COBRA notice materials. Your health insurance end date and COBRA election deadline are time-sensitive — knowing these details immediately after separation prevents costly gaps in coverage.
What You Should Not Take
Do not take confidential company data, client records, proprietary source code, financial models, strategy documents, or anything that was created for the company's benefit. Even if you think it might be useful, taking proprietary information can expose you to serious legal liability. When in doubt, do not take it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my work samples and portfolio pieces?
Work samples created in your own time or for personal portfolio use may be acceptable depending on your employment agreement. Review your contract carefully, and when uncertain, consult an employment attorney before taking anything.
What if I need documents for an unemployment claim?
Your most recent pay stubs, your last day of employment, and the reason for separation are typically required. Request any documents you need from HR in writing before your last day.
Is it legal to save emails from my work account?
Generally, company emails belong to the company. Forwarding large volumes of company email to a personal account is usually not permitted. Focus on personal employment documents rather than email archives.
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Educational content only. LayoffNext provides general information and is not a substitute for legal, financial, tax, or mental health advice. For matters relating to unemployment insurance, severance agreements, or personal finances, please consult a licensed professional or contact official government resources.
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