Key questions and structure to help employers get the most from an exit interview
When employees leave, it is a good idea to arrange an exit interview. You can use their responses to identify whether there are any underlying issues to be addressed. In large organisations, you can build a pattern of data. In smaller organisations, you may simply find that someone leaving is more likely to be forthcoming about any challenges they faced.
However, getting employees to reveal the real reason they're leaving can be difficult.
For example, if they say that they have been offered more money with another employer, this doesn't necessarily explain why they started looking for a new job in the first place. It may in fact be that the employee didn't get on with their manager or a team colleague, or that they think they were unfairly overlooked for promotion.
The employee's answers may be influenced by their need for a reference.
Ideally, someone other than the leaver's manager should try to find out why they're leaving. They may have difficulty telling their manager about problems with their job or department.
If, during the interview, the employee starts making accusations against a colleague, don't act too hastily. You must ensure there is a fair investigation of any complaint, and you might need to follow an appropriate grievance procedure.
Questions you might want to ask ...
- What have you enjoyed the most/least about working for the business/the role?
- What sorts of problems have you found?
- How effective is communication at our company?
- How easy was it to get on with your boss/colleagues?
- To what extent do you feel your work was valued?
- To what extent were your skills and talents used effectively?
- To what extent did you feel your role was secure?
- How satisfied were you with money, terms and conditions, facilities, equipment?
- How does your current role compare to your new job?
- When did you begin looking for another job?
- Is there anything that the company could do better?
Leading from this, we have an Exit Procedure Checklist For Employees. This can help you give your employees more responsibility to ensure they leave properly, and remove any files, data or information from all relevant departments of the company.