# IT Asset Return Policy (Template)

Purpose:
Prevent missing equipment by defining how employee devices are issued, returned, verified, and closed—especially during offboarding.

Scope:
Laptops and issued peripherals (docks, chargers, adapters). Not warehouse stock, consumables, or reordering.

## 1) Ownership and responsibility

- The company owns all issued equipment.
- Employees are responsible for reasonable care and timely return on request or offboarding.
- IT owns the asset records and the return verification process.

## 2) What must be returned

At minimum:
- Laptop
- Charger + power cable
- Docking station (if issued)
- Adapters (if issued)

Optional (if issued):
- Keyboard/mouse
- Headset
- Security key
- Laptop bag/case

## 3) Return timing

- Offboarding: return by the employee’s last working day (unless otherwise agreed).
- Equipment swap/repair: return within 2 business days of replacement issuance.

## 4) Return method

Preferred:
- In-office handoff to IT (or designated owner).

Remote employees:
- Shipping label provided by the company.
- Packaging instructions provided.
- Tracking number recorded in the asset notes.

## 5) Verification (required)

At return time, IT verifies:
- Serial number matches the record
- Accessories match the issued kit
- Condition is recorded (working / damaged / missing parts)
- Assignment is removed and storage location is updated

## 6) Missing or damaged items

If something is missing:
- IT creates a follow-up item with an owner and deadline.
- Employee and manager receive the exact missing list.
- If unrecovered, the item is marked Missing/Lost per policy (no ambiguity).

## 7) Access, changes, and audit readiness

- Most users should be read-only; assignments and status changes are restricted.
- All changes should be logged (who/when/what/from-to).
- Quarterly verification is recommended for laptops and issued peripherals.

## 8) Security and data handling

- Returned devices are handled according to IT security policy (wipe/reimage/MDM).
- Do not print employee personal data on asset tags.