Hey there, fellow IT asset managers and HR pros! It's your Retriever Operations Manager here, and let me tell you, I've heard some wild excuses from employees when it comes to returning their company laptops. But before we dive into the juicy stuff, let's talk about why laptop returns are so important in the first place.

The Importance of Retrieving Company Laptops

As an IT asset manager, you know that every laptop is a valuable company asset. Not only do they cost a pretty penny, but they also contain sensitive data that could put your company at risk if it falls into the wrong hands. That's why it's crucial to have a solid process for retrieving devices from remote employees, especially when they leave the company.

At Retriever, we specialize in helping companies like yours streamline the laptop retrieval process. We've seen it all, from the good (employees who return their laptops without a hitch) to the bad (laptops that come back looking like they've been through a warzone) to the downright ugly (employees who straight up refuse to return their laptops). But through it all, we've learned a thing or two about how to make the process as painless as possible.

Common Excuses for Not Returning Laptops

Now, let's get to the good stuff. Here are some of the most common (and creative) excuses we've heard from employees who haven't returned their laptops:

1. "I didn't receive the laptop shipping box." This one's a classic. Never mind that we sent the box to the address they provided, complete with tracking information and signature confirmation.

2. "I forgot to pack the laptop in the laptop box for shipping." Ah, the old "I had it, but I forgot to actually put it in the box" excuse. Points for creativity, but sorry, that's not going to fly.

3. "I lost the shipping box for laptop computer." We get it, things happen. That's why we always include detailed instructions and tracking information in our laptop retrieval kits. But if an employee loses the box or there was an issue with deliverability, we’ll send out a replacement box for no additional charge.

4. "I didn't have time to go to the shipping store." We've all been there, right? Life gets busy, and sometimes shipping a package falls to the bottom of the to-do list. That's why we offer pre-paid laptop shipping boxes that can be dropped off at any UPS associated location or even scheduled for pickup. We don’t expect people to lug a huge monitor box to the UPS store.

5. "I thought I could keep the laptop after leaving the company." This one always baffles me. Unless an employee has specifically been told they can keep their laptop (which is rare), it's pretty much assumed that company property needs to be returned. But hey, points for boldness, I guess?

Consequences of Non-Returned Laptops

While it might be tempting to laugh off some of these excuses, the reality is that non-returned laptops can have serious consequences for your company. For starters, there's the financial hit of having to replace the laptop itself. But beyond that, there's also the risk of data breaches and compliance issues, especially if your company is subject to regulations like SOC2 Type2. Did you know that Retriever is SOC2 Type2 compliant! I can’t imagine you would want a laptop return service company without it!

And let's not forget the added workload for IT asset managers who must track down missing laptops and deal with the fallout. It's a headache that no one wants to deal with, and it can put a strain on relationships between HR and former employees.

Tracking Down Missing Laptops

So, what do you do when an employee goes MIA with their laptop? That's where Retriever comes in. Our laptop returns service is designed to take the hassle out of tracking down missing devices. We start by working with you to verify the last known location of the laptop and the contact information for the employee. From there, we'll reach out to the employee on your behalf to arrange for the laptop to be returned.

If the employee is unresponsive after so many tries or is uncooperative, it may require the employer to send a formal demand letter or even pursue legal action. Our goal is always to resolve the situation as quickly and efficiently as possible, with minimal disruption to your business."

Preventing Laptop Loss and Damage

Of course, the best way to deal with non-returned laptops is to prevent them from happening in the first place. That's why we recommend taking a proactive approach to laptop returns. Here are a few tips:

• Provide clear instructions for returning laptops, including what to do with any accessories or peripherals. Don’t worry, Retriever handles this for you.

• Use Retriever’s laptop retrieval kit that includes everything the employee needs to securely pack and ship their laptop, including a sturdy padded laptop box for shipping and pre-paid shipping labels.

• Educate employees on the importance of returning their laptops in a timely manner, and the consequences of not doing so.

• Follow your personalized Retriever portal for status tracking which employees have returned their laptops. Retriever will follow up promptly if a laptop is not returned on schedule.

Handling Damaged Laptops

Even when laptops are returned on time, there's always the risk of damage. That's why it's important to have a process in place for assessing the condition of returned laptops and determining the best course of action. Determine whether it's worth filing an insurance claim or pursuing other options.

In some cases, the damage may be due to employee negligence, such as spilling coffee on the keyboard or dropping the laptop on the floor. In those situations, it's up to you to decide whether to hold the employee financially responsible for the damage. We can provide documentation and support to help you make that determination.

Partnering with Retriever for Laptop Retrieval

At the end of the day, laptop returns can be a time-consuming and frustrating process for IT asset managers and HR departments. That's where Retriever comes in. Our laptop returns service is designed to take the hassle out of retrieving devices from remote employees, so you can focus on what really matters – keeping your company's assets secure and your employees productive.

We offer customized laptop retrieval kits that include everything your employees need to securely pack and ship their laptops, including a sturdy padded laptop box for shipping with foam (all recyclable materials) and pre-paid shipping labels. We also handle all the logistics of tracking and receiving the laptops, so you don't have to worry about a thing.

Plus, our team of experts is available to provide support and guidance throughout the entire process, from communicating with employees to handling any issues that may arise. And with our secure data wiping and device redeployment services, you can rest assured that your company's sensitive information is protected every step of the way.

Best Practices for Laptop Retrieval

In addition to partnering with a service like Retriever, there are a few best practices that every company should follow when it comes to laptop returns:

• Establish clear policies and procedures for returning laptops and communicate them to employees during onboarding and offboarding.

• Partner with HR to incorporate laptop retrieval into the official offboarding process, so it doesn't fall through the cracks. Retriever’s API can seamlessly integrate with your HRIS.

• Regularly audit your laptop inventory to identify any discrepancies or missing devices and address them promptly.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it, folks – the shocking truth about employee excuses for not returning company laptops, and what you can do about it. As someone who's been in the trenches of laptop retrieval, I can tell you that it's not always easy, but it's always worth it.

By partnering with a service like Retriever, establishing clear policies and procedures, and staying vigilant about tracking and documenting your laptop returns, you can minimize the risk of lost or damaged devices and keep your company's assets secure.

So, if you're an IT asset manager or HR pro who's tired of chasing down missing laptops and dealing with creative excuses, contact us at Retriever. We'd be more than happy to help you streamline your laptop returns process and make your life a little bit easier. Trust me, your sanity (and your company's bottom line) will be thankful!