Can I keep my laptop after leaving my company?

When you're leaving a job, there are a lot of loose ends to tie up. One question that often comes up is what to do with your company laptop. Can you keep it? Do you have to give it back? What happens if you don't return it? As an employee in the UK, it's important to understand your obligations when it comes to company equipment.

Company laptops are company property

First and foremost, it's crucial to recognise that laptops provided by your employer are company property. Even if you've been using the laptop for work every day, it doesn't belong to you personally. When you leave the company, the expectation is that you will return the laptop, just like any other company property in your possession.

Check your equipment agreement

When you were first given the laptop, you likely signed some sort of equipment agreement. This document outlines the terms and conditions of using company devices. It will typically state that the laptop needs to be returned upon termination of employment. If you're unsure about the specifics, check with your HR department for a copy of the agreement you signed.

Failure to return could have consequences

If you don't return your laptop when leaving the company, there could be repercussions. At a minimum, your former employer will likely send you requests and reminders to return the device. If you still don't send it back, they could potentially escalate the matter to legal action. Keeping a company laptop could be viewed as theft, which might result in civil or even criminal charges.

Protecting intellectual property

Beyond the financial value of the physical laptop, companies have good reason to want their devices returned. Company laptops often contain sensitive business data, client information, and intellectual property. By ensuring all laptops are returned, the company can protect this valuable information and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands, even unintentionally.

Returning the laptop

So what's the best way to return your work laptop? Your company should provide instructions, but if they don't, reach out to your manager or HR. They may ask you to bring the laptop to the office, or they may send you a prepaid shipping label to mail it back. Some companies use laptop return kits to make the process easy - these typically include a laptop shipping box, packing materials, instructions, and a prepaid return label, so all you have to do is pack up the laptop and send it off.

Alternatives to keeping the laptop

If you've been using your work laptop as your primary personal computer, you might be wondering how you'll manage without it. Consider saving up to purchase your own personal laptop. Or look into whether your company offers an employee purchase program that would allow you to buy the laptop at a discounted price when you leave.

The bottom line is that company laptops are just that - company property. While it might be tempting to hold onto that laptop when you leave a job, the right thing to do is to return it according to your employer's instructions. By handling the return promptly and properly, you can wrap up your employment on good terms and avoid any unnecessary legal headaches down the road.