Exit interviews can be one of the best tools for improving employee retention and cultivating a happier workplace. Many employers conduct these interviews as a formality but don’t follow the proper steps for the best results. Discover how to approach this interaction using some HR best practices.
Conduct Interviews Through an Outside Resource for Anonymous Data
Gaining employee feedback is crucial for a turnover analysis and overall workplace enhancement. Make sure that exiting staff feel comfortable discussing their role and their reasons for leaving during one of their final meetings. You could have an HR representative conduct the interview, but outsourcing to a third-party source, like 45 Solutions, may yield better results.
Ask Thoughtful Interview Questions
The main purpose of exit interviews is to determine why an employee would want to leave your workplace. The best way to do that is by asking them relevant questions about their experience and what’s fueling their departure. Valid questions to ask employees include:
- How would you describe the company’s culture?
- Do you believe you were fairly compensated for your role?
- What are your concerns regarding management?
- Do you have any suggestions for workplace improvements?
You could have the employee answer similar questions in a written survey and then ask them to elaborate on their answers with a sit-down interview.
Keep the Environment Neutral and Safe
Put yourself in your employee’s shoes. If you leave the company because of concerns regarding your manager, would you want to express those concerns within earshot of their office?
Staff members should feel comfortable throughout the process so they can answer all questions honestly. Conduct the interview in a safe, neutral environment and ensure their answers remain confidential. Again, having a third-party consultant ask questions may prompt the interviewee to share their feedback with total honesty.
Analyze Answers To Find Turnover Trends and Address Issues
If a small business finds itself conducting a disproportionate number of exit interviews, it’s time to determine why its employee turnover is so high. Analyzing feedback from former staff members allows you to find the source of the problem and address it head-on. Taking action helps improve retention rates and boost morale.
Let’s say you ask various questions about salary, workplace culture, and management. If most employees say they receive fair compensation and enjoy the culture, you don’t have to focus on these areas. However, if a majority of responses criticize management, it’s time to take a step back and come up with solutions.
For example, criticism over communication from management could suggest that you should devise a better system for disseminating information. Do employees say they don’t feel valued by supervisors? Consider implementing regular meetings between managers and their team members to discuss recent accomplishments.
Discover HR Strategies for Seamless Employment Transitions
Conducting exit interviews the right way will help your business succeed in the long run. Reach out to 45 Solutions if you need assistance with this and other HR measures. Call (215) 828-1404 or book a consultation online today.
