Stay interview questions
A stay interview is a conversation with someone who isn't leaving, about why they stay and what might change that. It's an exit interview while you can still do something about the answers.
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How to run one
Frame it clearly
"I want to understand what keeps you here and what would make this job better. Nothing's wrong; I'm asking everyone." Without that, people assume it's a warning.
Hold it separately from reviews
Don't mix it with performance or pay conversations. Thirty minutes, once or twice a year, is plenty.
Ask, then listen
Pick five or six questions. Take notes. Don't defend or explain in the moment.
Do one thing within two weeks
Pick one thing you heard and act on it, even something small, then tell them you did. That's what makes the next conversation honest.
What keeps them here
- What do you look forward to when you start work?
- What's the best part of your job right now?
- What would you miss most if you left?
- When was the last time you felt really good about your work?
What might make them leave
- What's the most frustrating part of your job?
- Have you thought about leaving in the last six months? What prompted it?
- If a recruiter called tomorrow, what would make you take the call?
- What's one thing that would make this job better?
Growth
- What do you want to learn that you aren't learning here?
- Do you see a path for yourself here? What would it look like?
- Is your work using your strengths? What's underused?
Your part as their manager
- What could I do more of, or less of, to support you?
- How do you like to be recognized?
- Is there anything you've wanted to tell me but haven't?
Prep with Lauren
two people on my team left this year and I didn't see it coming either time
that's hard. and it's fixable: you just need to ask before the offer letter shows up
who on your team would hurt most to lose right now?
probably Marcus
start with him this week. "Nothing's wrong, I'm asking everyone: what keeps you here, and what would make this job better?" then do one thing he mentions within two weeks, and tell him you did
Ask before the offer letter shows up.
Text Lauren who you're worried about losing. She'll help you open the conversation and choose the one change to make after.
Hi Lauren! I want to run stay interviews with my team and need help preparing.
Lauren is a real coach. You're texting an AI trained on her coaching. Your first week is free. Cancel anytime from your account or by texting Lauren.
Frequently asked questions
What is a stay interview?
A one-on-one conversation with a current employee about why they stay, what frustrates them and what might make them leave, so you can act before they do.
How is a stay interview different from an exit interview?
Timing. An exit interview happens after someone has decided to leave. A stay interview happens while you can still change something.
How often should managers do stay interviews?
Once or twice a year per person is plenty, plus after big changes like a reorg, a new manager or a missed promotion.