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Stay Interviews vs. Exit Interviews: How to Keep Top Talent

Everyone’s heard of exit interviews. They happen after an employee has resigned, and the aim is to get information about what caused the resignation and how the employee feels the company could be improved. And while that information is helpful, another technique may serve your organization even better: stay interviews.

What is a stay interview?

A stay interview is very similar to an exit interview. The difference is in the timing. A stay interview is conducted while the employee is still employed at your company. In fact, stay interviews should be conducted periodically during the tenure of employment. The idea is to get a real-time picture of what the employee thinks could be improved and what they like and dislike about their position. To put it simply, a stay interview is an exit interview that’s conducted during a person’s employment, not after it’s ended.

What questions should be asked?

Stay interview questions could include things like:

  • If you were running the company, what would you do to make working here better?
  • What is your favorite part of your job? What’s your least favorite?
  • What would cause you to leave the company?
  • What would you like to see more of in your role?
  • If you could change anything about your job, what would it be?

The feedback that you get from these questions can be invaluable. And it’s the feedback that you wouldn’t necessarily get from an exit interview once the employee has already resigned.

Who conducts a stay interview?

Note that one important difference between a stay interview and an exit interview is the person who conducts it. Exit interviews are conducted by an HR professional, often the HR manager. Stay interviews, on the other hand, are usually conducted by the employee’s direct supervisor. Of course, you’ll want to keep in mind that employees will probably speak differently to their manager than they will to an HR professional, especially while they’re still employed. Take this into account when conducting stay interviews.

What should be done with the information?

The information you get from stay interviews should be analyzed and acted upon if necessary. It’s a great way to get real-time feedback as to what your employees are thinking and feeling. Take their advice and implement strategies to improve the workplace for everyone.

Are you on the hunt for top talent in your area? You don’t have to alone. High Profile can help. Contact us at 972-991-7900 or get in touch with us online.

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