It takes a lot of effort to change jobs. Put a stop to stressful job interviews, negotiations, and setting up your transition. Delete your old job files before you bid your old job farewell. It’s essential to be aware of employee handbooks that dictate what you can and cannot delete.
Joanna Grama, associate vice president for employee relations, urged employees to be careful not to delete or copy any proprietary material from their employers. When you’re ready to leave your job, here are five things you should ideally clear from your work computer.
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Files Like Photos And Tax Records
While it’s ideal not to use your work laptop for personal items, it’s easy to forget. Protect individual files like family photos if you’re planning an exit. Grama said, “Generally speaking, if it is permitted in an employee handbook, employees should delete their files from a work computer/phone before they leave an employer.”
Your Browser History
Are you embarrassed by your Google searches? Click History, Clear Browsing Data, and choose the appropriate period. When you select History in Firefox, you can clear recent history. Grama also recommended deleting your browser history and passwords.
Downloaded Apps, Software, Or Extensions
Consider updating your subscriptions if you want to clean up your email address. Make sure you remove bank apps or Venmo from work-issued phones before you leave. Grama said, “I probably would delete those applications, software, or extensions if I downloaded them for my use.”
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Cookies And Personal Messaging
Make sure you take off your messaging apps, like Apple Messages and Google Hangouts, from your work computer. Cookies also store information about your website usage. Andrew Stanek, a compensation startup’s data science manager at Pave, said: “Many people log in to their accounts on their work computers.”
Passwords
You saved a password whenever you used your work computer for something personal. Before you leave, wipe off. Santora said, “Most of the time, work computers will also be used as personal devices. You may not be able to erase your passwords and online accounts from the device unless you deliberately do so.”