Notice Period Confusion: How Is My Last Working Day Determined After Returning Company Laptop?

I haven't served 35 days out of the 60 days of my notice period and have returned the laptop to the company. What will be my last working day that will be reflected in the UAN portal? Or what will be my last working day in Cognizant as my ID is still active? I returned the laptop just 2 days ago.

Last Working Day and Payroll Status

The last working day will be the day of your resignation when you will be relieved from service. Even though you have returned the laptop, you will still be on the payroll until your final release.

I know, but I just want to know that I have stopped working from 30th September, and my HR has not contacted me. So, what will be my last working day? I resigned on 9th September, and my last working day was supposed to be 5th November. However, as I emailed them that I will not be able to work from 30th September due to some reasons, what will be the last working day they will give me?

Hello Muskaan-Mahendru,

Understanding the Difference Between Material Handover and Relieving Date

Handing over company material—in your case, the laptop—is different from the relieving date calculations, which sync with the last working day (LWD) of the employee. What would the concerned manager do if the employee informs very clearly that he/she would not be able to work from a certain date? Run after you? There may be some HR persons who may do that, but don't expect all to do it.

Importance of Discussing and Agreeing on the Last Working Day

I suggest being realistic and practical—you ought to have discussed and arrived at a mutually agreeable LWD between you, your manager, and HR. That would have even preempted this issue in the first place. If indeed there was a discussion and your manager and/or HR didn't agree with your request for 30th September as the LWD, then you ought to have followed the rules and served until 5th November. Further, please remember that it's you who needs the experience documents for your career records—and quite possibly to be submitted to your next employer too.

Resolving the Issue Amicably

I would suggest that you call your HR or your manager and resolve the issue amicably. In the present-day hiring scenario, most HR will treat resignations differently—I know of cases where resigned employees were cajoled with counter offers, etc. But at the same time, they wouldn't like to be taken for granted.

All the best.

Regards,
TS

Exit Date in EPF Portal

The issue here is about the Last Working Day (LWD) or the exit date to be put in the EPF portal. If it's about the exit date, then no worries; it is the obligation of the principal employer. In case of disputes on this, there are other ways too to resolve the exit date issue with EPF.

Understanding Company Policy for Clearance

Now, as an employee, I would always say that every employee should know the company policy regarding how one is given clearance from the company. Usually, companies issue a relieving letter or a clearance certificate mentioning the last date of working, last salary drawn, dues cleared, assets returned, and many other remarks, which serve as documentary proof.

Advice

Go by the policy of the company and get relieved on good terms.