PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
Unlock employee engagement with stay interviews
Exit interviews have become common practice for most organisations . However , the frequency and effectiveness of these interviews can vary significantly , reports Oliver Sheer , managing director of Be Challenged . And while the exit interview has undeniable value and should remain part of your employee engagement mix , Oliver says there is one style of interview that is arguably the most powerful of them all – the stay interview …
A stay interview is a proactive management practice that involves one-on-one discussions with current team members to assess their job satisfaction , engagement and reasons for staying with the organisation . The primary goal of a stay interview is to identify and address potential issues , concerns , or opportunities for improvement to retain valuable talent and prevent turnover .
Stay interviews and their key features w Proactive approach : Stay interviews are conducted while employees are still with the company , allowing employers to address concerns in real-time , rather than waiting for an exit interview . w Open communication : Candid communication between team members and their managers or HR representatives enables them to share thoughts , feedback , and any issues they may be facing . w Retention strategy : Stay interviews aim to identify the factors that contribute to employee satisfaction and engagement . w Feedback and action : Employers use content from stay interviews to make necessary improvements in areas like work-life balance , career development , compensation , job roles , and workplace culture , ultimately enhancing the overall employee experience . w Customised approach : Stay interviews are tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of each team members , ensuring a personalised and relevant discussion . w Building trust : Regular stay interviews help strengthen the relationship between employees and their managers or HR representatives . Team members appreciate when their concerns are heard and addressed .
Challenges and considerations While stay interviews offer numerous benefits , they are not without challenges . It is important
to address potential issues such as resource intensity , consistency , trust , confidentiality and more . It is worth noting that a well-planned approach and ongoing commitment to improvement will help maximize the effectiveness of stay interviews .
It is also important you consider the role of stay interviews as part of your broader employee engagement plan . At Be Challenged , for example , we call these ‘ connection plans ’. While our clients ’ connection plans map out rituals for connection within their organisations , they also focus on individual development , in which stay interviews play a crucial role . S bechallenged . com . au
Exit interviews : The benefits
Some companies conduct them weekly or even daily , while others only hold them on rare occasions . Regardless of the timing , exit interviews have distinct benefits for both parties .
The employer : w Gathering feedback w Identifying patterns w Improving retention w Enhancing reputation
The employee : w Closure w Professional development w Networking w Contributing to change
36 Executive PA | Summer Issue 2024