: State that this was the final shift and document the terms of the departure, such as the return of company property like keys or badges.

If you are a manager documenting an incident that occurred during an employee's final shift, clarity and objectivity are essential for legal and record-keeping purposes. Professional resources like Indeed and BambooHR recommend the following structure:

If you let me know which side of the "last shift" you are on— or departing employee —I can provide a tailored template or draft for you.

: Briefly note who will be handling your responsibilities moving forward to help your colleagues.

: Clearly state your last working day and your current role.

: Some managers suggest delivering write-ups before lunch to allow for processing, while others prefer the very end of the shift to avoid immediate tension.

: Be specific and factual. Avoid subjective language (e.g., instead of "they were lazy," write "the employee failed to complete the closing checklist"). Specify the date, time, and any witnesses.

Developing a write-up for a typically falls into two categories: a manager documenting an employee's final shift (often due to disciplinary issues) or a departing employee writing a farewell to colleagues. Option 1: Manager Writing Up an Employee’s Last Shift