02-08-2023

Exit Interview – Why are employees leaving?

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The departure of employees is a negative phenomenon, but it can also present an opportunity to improve the functioning of the company at various levels. Information gathered at the end of cooperation can provide valuable insights regarding team management, compensation policies, professional development, and the overall work climate. To obtain as much valuable information as possible, proper preparation for conducting Exit Interviews is essential. Read on to learn the secrets of conducting a successful Exit Interview.

 

Employee Departure – What is an Exit Interview Survey?

 

An Exit Interview is a conversation or survey conducted with an employee who has decided to leave the organization. The purpose of this study is to understand the reasons why the employee chose to leave and to gather valuable information and opinions about the employee’s experiences within the company.

During the Exit Interview, the employee has the opportunity to express their thoughts, opinions, and any reservations regarding their work in the organization. As a result, the company can gain insight into areas that require improvement and understand whether there are any recurring issues influencing employee turnover. Additionally, the company can identify its strengths as an employer, which are worth highlighting in the future.

 

What are the main goals of an Exit Interview?

 

Understanding the reasons for departure: Firstly, it provides an opportunity for the employee to explain why they decided to leave the company. Analyzing the survey responses can reveal specific issues influencing employees’ decisions to leave the organization. These may include poor internal communication, lack of professional development opportunities, unsatisfactory compensation, or a toxic work environment. Understanding these areas allows for appropriate corrective actions.

Identifying areas that need improvement: The Exit Interview helps the organization identify areas that need changes to attract and retain talented employees. Employees who participate in the surveys appreciate that their opinions are considered and that the organization cares about their experiences. This contributes to building a positive image of the company as an attractive employer, which can attract better candidates in the future.

Improving employee engagement: By giving employees the opportunity to express their opinions, the organization shows that it values their input and experiences. This can positively impact employee engagement, even for those who have already decided to leave. It will also matter to the remaining employees.

Building a positive employer image: Considering employee opinions in decision-making can influence the perception of the organization as an employer that cares about its employees, contributing to a positive company image.

 

How to conduct an employee exit survey?

 

To obtain valuable information through Exit Interview surveys, we must conduct them fairly and anonymously. Usually, human resources or individuals not directly related to the department from which the employee is leaving conduct these surveys. This approach provides the employee with a greater sense of anonymity and encourages honesty in expressing their opinions. As a result, the employee should feel confident that their answers will not be used against them. Therefore, ensuring the confidentiality and anonymity of the answers is crucial in obtaining honest and open feedback.

 

Interview before employee departure – Vivelio survey tool

 

When conducting an Exit Interview survey, it is essential to prepare the questions in a way that allows the employee to express their thoughts and feelings freely. Avoid closed-ended questions that only elicit “yes” or “no” answers. Instead, use open-ended questions that encourage detailed descriptions of the situation and emotions. This approach enables the employee to provide more comprehensive and meaningful feedback.

Additionally, utilizing the in-depth research function in Vivelio’s survey system can be beneficial. This feature allows you to examine a former employee’s decision-making process and analyze behavioral indexes that may significantly influence the final perception of the answers provided.

To streamline the process, create a template based on a well-designed questionnaire. You can use this template every time you need to conduct an Exit Interview, ensuring consistency and efficiency in data collection. Feel free to check out Vivelio’s capabilities and learn more about how you can conduct the exit interview survey using this tool for further insights.

 

Exit interview survey – Why is this important to the company?

 

The Exit Interview is a valuable tool that allows for understanding the reasons for employee departures and identifying areas that need improvement. This enables the implementation of effective actions that contribute to increased employee engagement and an improved work environment. Remember that these data may carry emotional weight, so it is essential to ensure the reliability of the survey to obtain credible results and draw valuable conclusions. In this regard, consider whether an anonymous or individual survey will yield a better effect and personalize the questionnaire for each employee.

If you care about the success of your organization, it is of great importance to care about employee experiences and opinions. The Exit Interview can be the key to building a better and more satisfying work environment for everyone. If you are interested in more of our content, check out our previous post on talent retention in organizations.