--- title: "Ghosting: Issuing Final Paychecks When an Employee Disappears" description: Employee ghosting is on the rise, where workers suddenly quit their job without any explanation or further contact. Here's how to handle issuing final pay. image: https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/anxiety-2878777_1920.jpg --- - [Client Portal](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) - [Employee Login](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) [![AxcetHR Solutions Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/AxcetHR2021%20Blog/axcethr_logo_white%20(1).png)](https://www.axcethr.com/) - [About Us](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/) - [Corporate Philantropy](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/corporate-philanthropy/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/meet-the-team/) - [Values and Culture](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/values-and-culture/) - [Kansas PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/kansas-peo/) - [Missouri PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/missouri-peo/) - [Careers](https://axcethrsolutions.prismhr-hire.com/) - [Why Axcet](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [Why Choose Axcet?](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [About PEOs](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/about-peos/) - [PEO Cost](https://www.axcethr.com/peo-cost/) - 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[Employee Benefits](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-benefits) - [All about COVID-19 in the Workplace](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/covid19) - [Kansas & Missouri HR News](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/kansas-and-missouri-hr-news) - [Kansas City Interest News](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/kansas-city-interest-news) - [PEO/HRO](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/peo) - Choose Topic: - [Human Resources](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/human-resources) - Payroll Administrations - [Employee Safety & Risk Management](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-safety-risk-management) - [Employee Benefits](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-benefits) - [PEO](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/peo) # Ghosting: Issuing Final Paychecks When an Employee Disappears By [Herman McDaniel](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/herman-mcdaniel) on [May 16, 2019](https://blog.axcethr.com/ghosting-issuing-final-paychecks-when-an-employee-disappears) 5 min read [0 comment(s)](https://blog.axcethr.com/ghosting-issuing-final-paychecks-when-an-employee-disappears#comments-listing) Share this: - - - - [whatsapp://send?text=https://blog.axcethr.com/ghosting-issuing-final-paychecks-when-an-employee-disappears](whatsapp://send?text=https://blog.axcethr.com/ghosting-issuing-final-paychecks-when-an-employee-disappears) - [mailto:?subject=Ghosting:%20Issuing%20Final%20Paychecks%20When%20an%20Employee%20Disappears&body=https://blog.axcethr.com/ghosting-issuing-final-paychecks-when-an-employee-disappears](mailto:?subject=Ghosting:%20Issuing%20Final%20Paychecks%20When%20an%20Employee%20Disappears&body=https://blog.axcethr.com/ghosting-issuing-final-paychecks-when-an-employee-disappears) ![anxiety-2878777_1920](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/anxiety-2878777_1920.jpg?quality=low&width=1054&name=anxiety-2878777_1920.jpg) At one time, the only people who seemed to get “ghosted” were millennials in the dating world who shared their stories across social media. Unfortunately, the traumatic practice of ending personal relationships suddenly, by cutting off all communication and providing no explanation, has spread to the professional world and is becoming common practice for workers who wish to exit companies. In fact, some experts estimate as much as a 20% increase in employee ghosting in 2018. ## What is Employee Ghosting & Why is it Happening? You may know how ghosting works in the dating world, where the term originated, but what does it look like in the business world? It’s simple. One day the individual just stops coming to work. They exit silently and give no notice. When attempts to phone or email the departed employee are unsuccessful, you’ll quickly realize you may have a better chance at winning the lottery than receiving a return phone call or email from the former employee. [Related Reading: Toxic Employees: How One Bad Apple Ruins the Bunch >> ](https://blog.axcethr.com/toxic-employees-how-one-bad-apple-ruins-the-bunch) According to [Washington Post](https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2018/12/12/workers-are-ghosting-their-employers-like-bad-dates/), the record low unemployment rate may be partially to blame. With more job openings than workers available to fill positions, individuals just don’t feel the need to stick around for the awkward conversation with their soon-to-be ex-boss. Other reasons individuals ghost employers include the rise of social media and impersonal relationships, feeling underappreciated, poor communication between managers and workers, individuals who are described as young and restless, and those who say they just got a bad vibe from the workplace. ## Cutting Losses and Issuing Final Pay When it comes to business etiquette, ghosting will always be considered poor form. However, employee ghosting is becoming a common practice at all stages in the game - from interviews and job offers to the first day or one year into the employment relationship. When an employee splits without notice, it’s best to cut your losses and move on, and the better you become at adapting, the less likely your business will suffer. [![job seeker and employer ghosting on the rise](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/80f95e1c-4290-417d-aa1a-4701bfe4408e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/80f95e1c-4290-417d-aa1a-4701bfe4408e) Once you realize you’ve been ghosted, you’ll want to wrap things up on your end. Let’s discuss issuing final pay. Under federal law, [there are no overarching](https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/wages/lastpaycheck) rules governing when and how final pay should be issued. So, employers should look to state laws, which can differ drastically from state to state. When businesses are ghosted, the employee departure is typically documented as “quit without notice” which is important when considering state final pay rules. [Related Reading: Toxic Employees: You've Identified One at Your Business, Now What? >>](https://blog.axcethr.com/toxic-employees-youve-identified-one-at-your-business-now-what) Here are the final pay rules for the states of Kansas and Missouri:   ### Kansas Rules for Final Employee Pay: In the State of Kansas, whether an employee quits or is terminated, final pay should occur no later than the next regular payday. Full details via the [Kansas State Legislature](http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2012/b2011_12/statute/044_000_0000_chapter/044_003_0000_article/044_003_0015_section/044_003_0015_k/) on K.S.A. 44-315 regarding final pay and damages for willful non-payment by the employer are as follows: - Whenever an employer discharges an employee or whenever an employee quits or resigns, the employer shall pay the employee's earned wages not later than the next regular payday upon which he or she would have been paid if still employed as provided under K.S.A. 44-314 either through the regular pay channels or by mail postmarked within the deadlines herein specified if requested by the employee. - If an employer willfully fails to pay employee wages as required by K.S.A. 44-314, and amendments thereto, or as required under subsection (a) of this section, such employer shall be liable to the employee for the wages due and also shall be liable to the employee for a penalty in the fixed amount of 1% of the unpaid wages for each day, except Sunday and legal holidays, upon which such failure continues after the eighth day after the day upon which payment is required or in an amount equal to 100% of the unpaid wages, whichever is less.  For the purpose of such additional damages, the failure to pay shall not be deemed to continue after the date of the filing of a petition in bankruptcy with respect to the employer if he or she is adjudicated bankrupt upon such petition nor shall it be deemed to continue after an appeal is filed under K.S.A. 44-322a, and amendments thereto, until the decision on appeal becomes final.[![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/9fd309c1-3d74-4234-bb36-a088084e8676.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/9fd309c1-3d74-4234-bb36-a088084e8676) ### Missouri Rules for Final Employee Pay: In the State of Missouri, the determination of when final pay should be made is based on how the employee separated the company. In general, if the employee is terminated, final pay should be issued immediately. If, however, the employee quits, the law does not provide a deadline for issuing final pay. That said, it is generally accepted final pay shall be issued on the next regular payday. [State of Missouri Title XVIII Labor and Industrial Relations Chapter 290](http://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=290.110&bid=15297&hl=) states the following: - Whenever any person, firm or corporation doing business in this state shall discharge, with or without cause, or refuse to further employ any servant or employee thereof, the unpaid wages of the servant or employee then earned at the contract rate, without abatement or deduction shall be and become due and payable on the day of the discharge or refusal to longer employ and the servant or employee may request in writing of his foreman or the keeper of his time to have the money due him, or a valid check therefor, sent to any station or office where a regular agent is kept; and if the money or a valid check therefor, does not reach the station or office within seven days from the date it is so requested, then as a penalty for such nonpayment the wages of the servant or employee shall continue from the date of the discharge or refusal to further employ, at the same rate until paid; provided, such wages shall not continue more than sixty days. - This section shall not apply in the case of an employee whose remuneration for work is based primarily on commissions and whose duties include the collection of accounts, care of a stock or merchandise and similar activities and where an audit is necessary or customary in order to determine the net amount due. [Related Reading: How to Minimize the Impact When an Employee Quits Without Notice >>](https://blog.axcethr.com/how-to-minimize-the-impact-when-an-employee-quits-without-notice) ## Delivery of Final Payment and Unclaimed Wages Employers should always attempt to pay final compensation through their regular payroll delivery method, whether through direct deposit or mail. In the event the check is returned as undeliverable, attempt to reach out through other last known communication methods, including email and phone. If the wages are still undeliverable, the final payment should be held by the employer for a set amount of time, in most states three to five years, and then turned over to the state as unclaimed property. ## **[![Stress-Free Payroll Processing](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/interactive-189805175855.png)](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJnLKvC0QfgI1cfQ0xz2j0gcbpT9wXs0a6RZiGE1pCczUy3oSQggMny%2FU5Q5Jk9lx%2FsTB4%2F7S7vqt9F4nEzp0cdv1xAYRIdJO%2F5UXoYezPNB%2BLKHz83lPnBCRuBJ9OHfahWZzIy3O4XC9fstter6oaG9cMGY0%2FSRNqm%2BEGsI7700nNXQTAwAo4ePjuVIqDG0MazuMBsK4kIO8QhV4ZPbYdwtV8Iub5%2FN0sqOLPs7pTpKS6pu7d6y81uirir5MMtw5pGTXd%2BNIIIdnQPDJElcgquBtmkEV5FAYIUANOJGonvz5LuTXcQ8aNC&webInteractiveContentId=189805175855&portalId=2652187)** ## **Handle Final Pay Accurately—Even When Employees Disappear** When an employee ghosts your business, you're still legally responsible for issuing a final paycheck that complies with federal and state laws. Navigating these situations without the right processes in place can lead to compliance issues, fines, and unnecessary stress. Axcet HR Solutions provides expert payroll administration services to ensure accurate, timely final pay—even in the most unpredictable situations. [Learn how our payroll administration team can help you stay compliant and confident.](https://www.axcethr.com/services/payroll-and-tax-administration-services/payroll-administration/) [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/bb8b8bf9-4a4b-4e3f-9d49-d92d1913a3f7.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/bb8b8bf9-4a4b-4e3f-9d49-d92d1913a3f7) [![Herman McDaniel](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Herman_Final-11.jpg?width=80&height=80&name=Herman_Final-11.jpg)](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/herman-mcdaniel) Written by #### [Herman McDaniel](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/herman-mcdaniel) Herman McDaniel is a Payroll Administrator at Axcet HR Solutions, where he partners closely with clients to ensure payroll is processed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with ever-changing regulations. With more than 19 years of experience in this role, Herman brings deep expertise and a steady, reliable presence to the businesses he supports. Herman serves as the dedicated payroll contact for his clients, managing the full payroll process from data review and verification to posting and delivery. He works directly with both employers and employees to answer questions, resolve issues related to payroll taxes, deductions, and compliance, and ensure every detail is handled with precision. In addition to processing payroll, Herman plays a key role in onboarding new clients, conducting payroll training, and supporting ongoing client relationships through regular communication and proactive service. He also assists with benefits administration, paid time off tracking, and system updates—helping ensure payroll and HR data remain accurate and aligned across platforms. Known for his attention to detail and commitment to client service, Herman focuses on creating consistent, dependable payroll processes while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and accuracy. His long tenure gives him a unique understanding of client needs and the ability to anticipate challenges before they arise. Through his writing, Herman shares practical insights on payroll processes, compliance considerations, and best practices—helping employers feel confident in one of the most critical functions of their business. Read more [View all posts →](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/herman-mcdaniel) ### Get HR Updates ### Table of Contents ### Related Resources - [services Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/) #### [Fair Pay is Fair Play: A Pay Equity Audit Ensures Compliance with New Laws ![Fair Pay is Fair Play: A Pay Equity Audit Ensures Compliance with New Laws](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/Cori%20McClish%20Quote.png)](https://blog.axcethr.com/fair-pay-is-fair-play-a-pay-equity-audit-ensures-compliance-with-new-laws) #### [![Navigating Pay Equity in the #MeToo Era](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/Stock%20images/Businesswoman%20in%20front%20of%20people%20working%20in%20a%20green%20office.jpeg) Navigating Pay Equity in the #MeToo Era](https://blog.axcethr.com/navigating-pay-equity-in-the-metoo-era) ## Let us know what you think... ![AxcetHR Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/AxcetHR2021%20Blog/axcethr_logo_white%20(1).png) - [Why Axcet](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [What We Stand For](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/what-we-stand-for/) - [Expertise](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/) - [Employee Benefits](https://www.axcethr.com/services/employee-benefits/) - [Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/) - [Payroll Services](https://www.axcethr.com/services/payroll-and-tax-administration-services/) - [Risk Management](https://www.axcethr.com/services/workers-comp-and-employee-safety-risk-management/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/meet-the-team/) - [Subscribe to Latest Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/subscribe-to-the-latest-resources/) - [Resource Library](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/resource-library/) - [\[ Client Portal \]](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) - - - - - Search for: Copyright © 2023 Axcet HR Solutions – Kansas City's PEO Since 1988 | [Privacy Policy](https://www.axcethr.com/privacy-policy/) | [Terms and Conditions](https://www.axcethr.com/terms-conditions/) | [**Join our Team – Careers »**](https://axcethrsolutions.prismhr-hire.com/) 10975 Grandview Drive Suite 200, Corporate Woods Building 27, Overland Park, KS 66210 | Call us: 913-383-2999 *The IRS does not endorse any particular For more information on [certified professional employer organizations](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/certified-peo/), go to [www.irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov).* Remove cookies ![](https://dc.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=43031&fmt=gif) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Herman McDaniel", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/herman-mcdaniel" }, "dateModified" : "2025-05-06T17:51:04.177Z", "datePublished" : "2019-05-16T13:13:00.000Z", "headline" : "Ghosting: Issuing Final Paychecks When an Employee Disappears", "image" : [ "https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/anxiety-2878777_1920.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/ghosting-issuing-final-paychecks-when-an-employee-disappears", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/_logo_axcethr_primary.png" }, "name" : "Axcet HR Solutions" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.axcethr.com/#organization", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Kansas City", "addressRegion" : "MO" }, "aggregateRating" : { "@type" : "AggregateRating", "bestRating" : "5", "ratingValue" : "5", "reviewCount" : "100" }, "areaServed" : { "@type" : "Country", "name" : "United States" }, "award" : [ "IRS Certified Professional Employer Organization (CPEO)", "Award-Winning HR Solutions Provider", "SHRM Certified HR Professionals", "HRCI Certified HR Professionals" ], "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "areaServed" : "US", "availableLanguage" : "English", "contactType" : "Customer Service" }, "description" : "Award-winning Professional Employer Organization (PEO) providing comprehensive HR solutions, payroll services, employee benefits, and risk management to small and mid-sized businesses. 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Unfortunately, the traumatic practice of ending personal relationships suddenly, by cutting off all communication and providing no explanation, has spread to the professional world and is becoming common practice for workers who wish to exit companies. In fact, some experts estimate as much as a 20% increase in employee ghosting in 2018. What is Employee Ghosting & Why is it Happening? You may know how ghosting works in the dating world, where the term originated, but what does it look like in the business world? It’s simple. One day the individual just stops coming to work. They exit silently and give no notice. When attempts to phone or email the departed employee are unsuccessful, you’ll quickly realize you may have a better chance at winning the lottery than receiving a return phone call or email from the former employee. Related Reading: Toxic Employees: How One Bad Apple Ruins the Bunch >> According to Washington Post, the record low unemployment rate may be partially to blame. With more job openings than workers available to fill positions, individuals just don’t feel the need to stick around for the awkward conversation with their soon-to-be ex-boss. Other reasons individuals ghost employers include the rise of social media and impersonal relationships, feeling underappreciated, poor communication between managers and workers, individuals who are described as young and restless, and those who say they just got a bad vibe from the workplace. Cutting Losses and Issuing Final Pay When it comes to business etiquette, ghosting will always be considered poor form. However, employee ghosting is becoming a common practice at all stages in the game - from interviews and job offers to the first day or one year into the employment relationship. When an employee splits without notice, it’s best to cut your losses and move on, and the better you become at adapting, the less likely your business will suffer. Once you realize you’ve been ghosted, you’ll want to wrap things up on your end. Let’s discuss issuing final pay. Under federal law, there are no overarching rules governing when and how final pay should be issued. So, employers should look to state laws, which can differ drastically from state to state. When businesses are ghosted, the employee departure is typically documented as “quit without notice” which is important when considering state final pay rules. Related Reading: Toxic Employees: You've Identified One at Your Business, Now What? >> Here are the final pay rules for the states of Kansas and Missouri: Kansas Rules for Final Employee Pay: In the State of Kansas, whether an employee quits or is terminated, final pay should occur no later than the next regular payday. Full details via the Kansas State Legislature on K.S.A. 44-315 regarding final pay and damages for willful non-payment by the employer are as follows: Whenever an employer discharges an employee or whenever an employee quits or resigns, the employer shall pay the employee's earned wages not later than the next regular payday upon which he or she would have been paid if still employed as provided under K.S.A. 44-314 either through the regular pay channels or by mail postmarked within the deadlines herein specified if requested by the employee. If an employer willfully fails to pay employee wages as required by K.S.A. 44-314, and amendments thereto, or as required under subsection (a) of this section, such employer shall be liable to the employee for the wages due and also shall be liable to the employee for a penalty in the fixed amount of 1% of the unpaid wages for each day, except Sunday and legal holidays, upon which such failure continues after the eighth day after the day upon which payment is required or in an amount equal to 100% of the unpaid wages, whichever is less. For the purpose of such additional damages, the failure to pay shall not be deemed to continue after the date of the filing of a petition in bankruptcy with respect to the employer if he or she is adjudicated bankrupt upon such petition nor shall it be deemed to continue after an appeal is filed under K.S.A. 44-322a, and amendments thereto, until the decision on appeal becomes final. Missouri Rules for Final Employee Pay: In the State of Missouri, the determination of when final pay should be made is based on how the employee separated the company. In general, if the employee is terminated, final pay should be issued immediately. If, however, the employee quits, the law does not provide a deadline for issuing final pay. That said, it is generally accepted final pay shall be issued on the next regular payday. State of Missouri Title XVIII Labor and Industrial Relations Chapter 290 states the following: Whenever any person, firm or corporation doing business in this state shall discharge, with or without cause, or refuse to further employ any servant or employee thereof, the unpaid wages of the servant or employee then earned at the contract rate, without abatement or deduction shall be and become due and payable on the day of the discharge or refusal to longer employ and the servant or employee may request in writing of his foreman or the keeper of his time to have the money due him, or a valid check therefor, sent to any station or office where a regular agent is kept; and if the money or a valid check therefor, does not reach the station or office within seven days from the date it is so requested, then as a penalty for such nonpayment the wages of the servant or employee shall continue from the date of the discharge or refusal to further employ, at the same rate until paid; provided, such wages shall not continue more than sixty days. This section shall not apply in the case of an employee whose remuneration for work is based primarily on commissions and whose duties include the collection of accounts, care of a stock or merchandise and similar activities and where an audit is necessary or customary in order to determine the net amount due. Related Reading: How to Minimize the Impact When an Employee Quits Without Notice >> Delivery of Final Payment and Unclaimed Wages Employers should always attempt to pay final compensation through their regular payroll delivery method, whether through direct deposit or mail. In the event the check is returned as undeliverable, attempt to reach out through other last known communication methods, including email and phone. If the wages are still undeliverable, the final payment should be held by the employer for a set amount of time, in most states three to five years, and then turned over to the state as unclaimed property. Handle Final Pay Accurately—Even When Employees Disappear When an employee ghosts your business, you're still legally responsible for issuing a final paycheck that complies with federal and state laws. Navigating these situations without the right processes in place can lead to compliance issues, fines, and unnecessary stress. Axcet HR Solutions provides expert payroll administration services to ensure accurate, timely final pay—even in the most unpredictable situations. Learn how our payroll administration team can help you stay compliant and confident.", "author" : { "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/herman-mcdaniel#author", "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Herman McDaniel", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/herman-mcdaniel" }, "dateCreated" : "2019-05-16", "dateModified" : "2025-05-06", "datePublished" : "2019-05-16", "description" : "At one time, the only people who seemed to get “ghosted” were millennials in the dating world who shared their stories across social media. 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